HYDERABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious affairs and interfaith harmony Aneeq Ahmed has said that this year Haj expense had been reduced from 1175000 Rs. to 1075000 Rs. to facilitate the intending Haj pilgrims.
He expressed these views while addressing the First Hajj training programme organized by the Directorate of Haj Karachi here on Monday.
Federal Minister said that this Haj was taking place in our interim setup so we will try to ensure provision of best facilities to Hajj pilgrims which were not provided in the past.
He said that year aspirant pilgrims who were embarking for performing Hajj were fortunate and guests of Almighty Allah.
He said that the Ministry of Religious affairs and interfaith harmony every year organize such Hajj training programmes in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and this programme arranged in Hyderabad would also be helpful to educate Hajj pilgrims.
He said that during Hajj women pilgrims hailing from various Muslim countries like Indonesia and Malaysia used to wear Abaya representing their country which was a good gesture, however we also desire to provide Abaya to Pakistani women Hajj pilgrims free of cost mentioning the name of our country on its back to representing the civilized religious norms as Pakistani women are ambassadors of their country.
Minister said that with the start of mobile app all facilities would be provided to pilgrims during performing all Hajj rituals which would be exemplary in the history of Pakistan.
Every pilgrim would be provided a 30 kg suitcase to carry out their precious luggage and neither luggage nor any Hajj pilgrims would disappear during travelling.
The Minister said that on the arrival at Holy Land a free International sim will be provided to Hajj pilgrims with 180 free International minutes so that pilgrims could communicate with their family members every time.
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First phase of mandatory Hajj ritual training begins
The first phase of mandatory Hajj ritual training for prospective pilgrims of the Government Scheme commenced, with Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed joining the session in Hyderabad.
Aneeq Ahmed, speaking on the occasion, mentioned that Hajj training programs will be conducted nationwide, spanning from Karachi to Khyber.
He emphasized that Allah Almighty judges our intentions, and it is imperative to perform Hajj with utmost devotion. “Hajj is a form of supplication to Allah.” This year, the Pakistani government has expanded facilities for pilgrims compared to the previous year, resulting in a reduction of expenses by Rs 100,000 from the previous year.
He expressed that Hajj pilgrims serve as fortunate ambassadors of Pakistan, tasked with upholding the nation’s honor in Saudi Arabia and keeping Pakistan in their prayers.
Assembling such a significant number of pilgrims in a single location poses considerable challenges, thus the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Government of Pakistan are exerting maximum effort to guarantee a seamless experience for the pilgrims. They are providing comprehensive information regarding transportation, accommodation, and provisions for food and beverages.
It’s worth noting that more than 69,000 pilgrims under the government scheme will receive training in two stages across different districts of the country.
The second phase of training will commence after the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Successful intending pilgrims will receive details of the training schedule through mobile messages and the Hajj app. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to attend training workshops at convenient local venues.
The training has prioritized instruction on Hajj rituals, as well as addressing discipline and administrative matters. The ministry has already finalized the training curriculum.
Hajj training will take place across seven Hajj camps located in different districts. The comprehensive new training program will encompass the ‘Pak Hajj’ mobile app, advice on Hajj preparations, comprehension of rituals, addressing Hajj challenges, and offering general instructions.
At the training centres, model tents resembling the style of Mina Valley have been erected. Pilgrims will be guided by Master Trainers through 3D videos and interactive question-and-answer sessions.
