Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Religious Affairs and Saudi Minister of Hajj need immediate steps
to solve the problem: Mohammad Nadeem Sharif, Former Chairman.
Karachi : As the holy season of Hajj approaches, Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) across Pakistan are facing a major problem in the form of non-availability of space in the required zones in Mina and Arafat
during Mashair Days for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The urgent attention of the federal government
is needed. This has been expressed by Muhammad Nadeem Sharif, Former Chairman of Travel
Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) and Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP). A large
number of private Hajj Organizers from Pakistan who are currently in Saudi Arabia in connection
with arrangements for Hajj Pilgrims, but despite payment to Saudi Tawafa companies under the
new Hajj scheme, Pakistani HGOs are facing serious difficulties in getting space in desired zones.
Saudi Tawafa companies say that they are waiting for the availability of space from the relevant
Saudi Authorities, but in case of non-availability, they have no option but to return the money
received from HGOs, which may create an extraordinary situation for HGOs and pilgrims.
The rites of Hajj hold great spiritual significance for millions of Muslims around the world, and it is
imperative that every effort be made to facilitate those wishing to perform this sacred duty. The
Honourable Chaudhary Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
Government of Pakistan is requested to prioritize this issue on an urgent basis keeping in view the
time constraints and interact with the Honourable Minister of Hajj of Saudi Arabia, Tawfiq bin
Fauzan al-Rabiyyah and the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Excellency Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki,
who sincerely wishes to provide facilities to Pakistani pilgrims, should take active steps to solve
the problem as soon as possible so that the pilgrims who are the guests of Allah can perform ritual
obligations of Hajj with ease and satisfaction.
