OBSERVER REPORT RIYADH Saudi Minister for Hajj & Umrah Dr Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten has made it clear that the Saudi govt under the supervision of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz is exerting all efforts to fight against coronavirus and to protect all Saudi citizens and the expatiates. He was speaking to the Saudi news channel Al Ekhbaria. Replying to a question about the Hajj season arrangement etc, this year, Dr Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten said “Saudi Arabia is always prepared for Hajj, however since the outbreak of coronavirus, we have asked the Muslim world to withhold engaging in contracts of Hajj since the government is monitoring COVID-19 situation which has become an international crisis.”Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia suspended Umrah over fears of the coronavirus spread.“The kingdom is keen to protect the health of the Muslims and its citizens and so we have asked our brother Muslims in all countries to wait before doing Hajj contracts until the situation is clear.” While talking to Pakistan Observer, an official of the Saudi embassy Wednesday said, “The Saudi Hajj Minister Mr Benten has requested all the Muslim and the international countries not to sign any contract regarding the Hajj. Hajj Minister said we are reviewing the situation, again reviewing not stopping nor freezing the situation as per COVID-19. We are very much ready and Saudi Arabia will put all its efforts to make Hajj very safe and sound,” said the official. Last year, Hajj attracted 2.5 million faithful from all over the world and this year the number was expected to grow further, however, emergence COVID-19 has posed major risk to the health of those who will be coming for observance forcing the Kingdom to review the situation and monitor the virus constantly.
