Pakistan’s new Hajj Policy 2024 envisages a number of pilgrim-friendly features such as option for shorter stay, QR code, mobile phone SIM with video call options for 45 days etc. the Hajj Policy is in the final stage and will be presented before the cabinet very soon.
These views were expressed by Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed while exchanging views with the Chairman of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik who called on him at his office here Friday.
“Prime Minister AnwarulHaqKakar has been personally monitoring the contours of the Hajj Policy 2024 and has instructed to make it easier and more helpful for the pilgrims,” he said. “We are engaged with the Saudi government on a number of issues such as the number of pilgrims in the next year, the Saudi government’s decision to reduce the number of companies from over 900 to merely 46 and we hope to get a favourable answer soon,” he said.
About the QR code and shorter stay option, the caretaker minister said every pilgrim would be given two suitcases which could be located through the QR codes in case they are lost.
He said there was a proposal to reduce the duration of the Hajj journey from 45 days to 18-20 days from next year. A pilgrim will be free to choose whether he/she wants a 45-day or 18-20 day stay. He/she will have both options but the expenses for the both options will be the same, he made it clear. He also said that the government would provide mobile SIM for 45 days which would be used for video calls.
While commending the role of Pakistan Observer, Aneeq Ahmed paid rich tributes to the newspaper’s late Editor-in-Chief Zahid Malik calling him a son of the soil. MrZahid Malik’s services for Islam and Pakistan will always be remembered. His books “Mazameen-e-Quran” and “Mazameen-e-Hadith” are particularly two Masterpieces. Through these two books, Zahid Malik has done a subject-wise compilation of various topics in the light of Quran and Hadith, which indeed is a great service and helps the readers greatly in learning them.
Mr Faisal Zahid Malik appreciated the steps being taken by the Religious Affairs Ministry and wished the Minister success in his endeavours.
