The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has affirmed its commitment to providing optimal facilities for intending Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, following a comprehensive review and targeted improvements across the entire pilgrimage system.
This assurance was reiterated by Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro during a reception for 651 Pakistani pilgrims transitioning from Madinah to Makkah, according to a statement today. He highlighted that all pilgrims had been accommodated within Madinah”s Markaziyah district, promising a continuation of equivalent care and coordination in Makkah.
Mr. Soomro underscored the extensive operational enhancements, revealing that the entire Hajj framework, from initial arrival and intra-city transfers to lodging and ultimate movement to the sacred sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, underwent thorough scrutiny. This led to specific improvements being implemented at each phase.
A significant development this year concerns Mina, where pilgrims are now furnished with preliminary information regarding their tent numbers, corridor assignments, and bed allocations prior to reaching the encampment. The Director General confirmed that Mina”s provisions are fully ready, featuring climate-controlled tents, sofa beds, and crucial amenities.
In Makkah, the Hajj mission has broadened its lodging network by introducing new residential sectors, while retaining previously well-regarded buildings from the preceding year. Mr. Soomro also noted an overall uplift in residential standards for the devout travellers.
Further operational enhancements include upgrades to the Nusuk card distribution system and the pre-arrival data management process.