Tue, 21-Oct-2025

All possible facilities to be provided to Hujjaj: Aneed Ahmed

Hujjaj

ISLAMABAD Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed said that all possible facilities will be provided to Pakistani pilgrims during this year’s hajj where special training programs were also being conducted at the district level through camps managed by the religious affairs ministry.

He said that under the supervision of the Pakistan Hajj mission special catering companies were being arranged to feed pilgrims under a government scheme and will ensure quality and safety standards at every step.

Minister said that this year Pakistan Hajj mission is offering simplified transportation services to Pakistani pilgrims with standard buses ensuring round-the-clock, adding that, the transport department will fully dedicate themselves to the sacred duty.

A comprehensive transportation guidelines had also been issued at each building, he added.

The caretaker government had introduced several new services for the pilgrims to help them perform the rituals with comfort and ease, he mentioned.

Monitoring Cell has been put in place to closely monitor and address any potential issues of the private Pilgrims, he said, adding, furthermore, various other specialized units, such as a Wheelchair Desk have been established to cater to the specific needs of different groups of pilgrims.

Replying to a question, he said in a bid to improve the Hajj pilgrimage experience for travelers in 2024, the federal government has also unveiled a comprehensive update to the Hajj package, adding that, first time in history government has introduced a shorter 20 to 25-day Hajj program in which we will provide pilgrims with a more concise and efficient experience.

This change is expected to make the pilgrimage more accessible to a broader range of people, he added.

Every pilgrim will also receive a specially designed bag featuring the Pakistani flag, a QR code for easy identification, and relevant information, he mentioned.

In a move toward greater administrative efficiency, the government had launched a dedicated mobile app for online registration of Hajj applications.

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Govt launches digital app to facilitate Hajj Pilgrims

Pilgrims

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed announced that ‘under the digitizing process for Hajj facilities, an app has launched for Hajj pilgrims’.

The minister was addressing to a press conference held at New Haji Camp. He said that, this app will guide the pilgrims from Haj flight to their stay in Saudi Arabia and all other relevant details will be available on the app including videos for the training of pilgrims.

Aneeq Ahmed informed that all the pilgrims will be provided a free single colored QR code suitcase so that they could easily identify their belongings. He said that every pilgrim will be given a mobile SIM of a Saudi company for free which will have 180 minutes for international calls.

The federal minister said that first of all we reduced the price of the official Hajj package by Rs.1 lakh, the cost of air ticket was Rs. 250,000 which was lowered to Rs. 200,000.

While talking about the building of the New Haji Camp the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs said that the building is renovated and a vaccination center has also been established for Hajj pilgrims.

He said that the ‘Interfaith Harmony Conference’ was organized under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, in which the ambassadors from 30 countries were invited.

Aneeq Ahmed said that ‘Interfaith Harmony Dialogue’ was started in University of Karachi, NED University and Iqra University (Karachi and Islamabad campuses), this discussion was also arranged in St. Patrick’s Church in which Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, Parsi and Jain scholars participated. ‘We conveyed the message of humanity to the world’, said the minister.

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Efforts being made to reduce airfare for Hujjaj: Aneeq Ahmed

Efforts being made to reduce airfare for Hujjaj: Aneeq Ahmed

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed on Sunday said that talks were underway with airline companies for a reduction in airfare for Hajj pilgrims. Addressing a programme organized by the Karachi Business Forum in Karachi, he said this year around 90 thousand Hujjaj would go for Hajj and they … Read more

Hajj 2024: Govt announces date for receiving applications

Mobile app will be introduced to aid pilgrims during sacred journey
  • Aneeq Ahmed assured transparent balloting process would follow.
  • He emphasized historic measures taken to ensure comfort for pilgrims.
  • He said short Hajj package of 20 to 25 days was being introduced.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed announced the commencement of Hajj applications from November 27 to December 12, 2023.

In a press conference at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, he assured a transparent balloting process would follow, providing equal opportunities to all applicants.

Minister Aneeq, while revealing the Hajj Policy 2024, emphasized the historic measures taken to ensure comfort for pilgrims. Essential items, including a large travel bag with QR coding (30 kg capacity), a hand-carry bag (7 kg capacity), Pakistani flag scarves for women’s identification, Ahram belts for male pilgrims, and designated bags for shoes, would be provided free of charge, he added.

He said to enhance connectivity, a mobile SIM with 7 GB data would be supplied for mandatory use during the stay in Saudi Arabia .

He said the inclusion of Karachi airport was being incorporated into the Road to Makkah Project, adding that a short Hajj package of 20 to 25 days was being introduced as well. Minister Aneeq announced the provision of separate two-bed and three-bedrooms in Makkah, subject to availability, with additional charges for families.

He said the Hajj quota for 2024 was set at 179,210, with a balanced distribution ratio of 50 percent each for public and private Hajj schemes, allocating 89,605 seats for each. He said in the government Hajj scheme, 25,000 seats were reserved for sponsorship, while half of the total quota of the private scheme, 44,803, was reserved for sponsorship.

Addressing eligibility criteria, Minister Aneeq clarified that individuals who performed Hajj from 2017 to 2023 would not be eligible this year.

He said the hardship quota would be 500 while the labor quota would be 300. He said the government sponsorship scheme would be on ‘first come first serve basis’ and would also be exempted from the balloting process.

Minister Aneeq emphasized that women could apply for Hajj without a ‘Mahram,’ provided they submit an affidavit stating permission from parents or husbands and assurance of safe travel.

He said comprehensive training would be provided to pilgrims adding that welfare staff comprising of Medical Mission/Hajj Assistants would be deployed as per Saudi teachings. He said monitoring teams would be deployed in Saudi Arabia for immediate redressal of complaints.

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PM Kakar directs for provision of best facilities to Hujjaj

PM Kakar

Chairing a meeting with regard to Ministry of Religious Affairs. He observed that for performance of important religious ritual of Hajj. Prime Minister Kakar was apprised of the performance of ministry. ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar directed that best and inexpensive facilities should be ensured for the pilgrims without compromising on Hajj arrangements. Chairing … Read more

Caretaker Minister highlights need to strengthen Muslim unity  

Muslim
  • He said this in meeting with Bahraini Parliament Member.
  • Sheikh Almuawda met with Aneeq Ahmed along with scholars.
  • He said it was crucial to promote Islamic values to world.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed said the Muslim countries would have to portray a soft image of Ummah with concerted efforts on the globe.

He said this in a meeting with Bahraini Parliament Member and former Speaker Sheikh Adel bin Abdulrahman Almuawda, who called on him here in his office.

Sheikh Almuawda met with Minister Aneeq along with Pakistani scholars including Maulana Abu Turab, Maulana Atiqur Rehman Shah Kashmiri, Prof Sajjad Qamar, and Maulana Hafiz Maqsood Ahmad.

During their discussions, both leaders emphasized the promotion of unity within the Muslim Ummah, addressing common issues, and combatting Islamophobia.

Minister Aneeq reaffirmed that Pakistan’s foundation was rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, and stressed the need for Muslim nations to work collectively to manifest the teachings of Islam. He highlighted that as Muslims, it was crucial to align their actions with Quranic guidance and promote Islamic values to the world.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of nurturing the younger generation lamenting that many young individuals were not seeking solutions to contemporary issues within the Quran’s teachings.

Sheikh Almuawda expressed his country’s deep affection for Pakistan as the only state established in the name of Islam. He also drew attention to historical instances of Islamophobia and the need to change the world’s perception of Islam by removing the veil of ignorance.

Both leaders concurred that gradually incorporating religious education in educational institutions and spreading the message of Islam in a gentle and informative manner was essential. He also extended an invitation to Minister Aneeq to visit Bahrain to further strengthen bilateral relations.

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Federal Govt proposes short-duration Hajj packages 

Hajj
  • He said 18 to 20-day Hajj package will be given in 2024.
  • Minister said shorter Hajj will be decided by pilgrims themselves.
  • He said that this proposal will be considered by interim government.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed said that the duration of official Hajj is proposed to be reduced from 45 days next year.

In a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed said that an 18 to 20-day Hajj package will be given in 2024, 40 days or shorter Hajj will be decided by pilgrims themselves.

The chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs said that the short Hajj should be conducted for 30 days, on which the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs said that this proposal will be considered.

Chairman Hajj Operators Association said that they have signed a five-year residency agreement in Saudi Arabia, the country that gets the Hajj quota has the will to manage it.

Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed said the Saudi government has decided that only 46 companies will run Hajj operations from Pakistan.

Senator Maulana Abdul Kareem said that changing 905 companies into 46 companies would cause problems. The Saudi government implemented such a ban on America and European countries a few years ago. The Saudi government has rejected the protests of America and European countries.

He further said “We cannot do anything, but we can request a one-year extension. It can be said in a letter to the Saudi government that since the decision was taken suddenly, there will be difficulties in its implementation”.

Senator Maulana Faiz Muhammad said that the implementation of the new plan should be assured from next year and the government has to solve the problem by talking with Saudi Arabia.

The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs said that he asked Saudi Arabia to review the decision to convert 900 Hajj companies into 46 companies, but they did not agree.  The government will write a letter to the Saudi government at the request of the Standing Committee.

He said that the Saudi government is planning to increase the number of Hajj pilgrims to 10 million. At present, the Road to Mecca project is running only from Islamabad. The Saudi government has decided to include Karachi in the Road to Mecca in the next Hajj.

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KSA to enhance facilities for Pakistani pilgrims: Caretaker Minister

KSA
  • He announced this after meeting with Saudi Minister of Hajj.
  • Minister held discussions to finalize arrangements for pilgrims.
  • Saudi government working to improve services for Pakistani pilgrims.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed said Pakistani pilgrims would be provided additional facilities and improved services during the Hajj 2024.

He announced this after a comprehensive meeting with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, in Riyadh, which was also attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq and Deputy Chief of Mission, Moazam Khan.

According to details, Minister Aneeq held discussions to finalize arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims adding that they would be provided further enhanced facilities during the upcoming Hajj season. He said accommodation, meals, and transportation for pilgrims would be improved with a more comfortable and convenient experience.

He urged his Saudi counterpart to finalize the flight schedule for Pakistani pilgrims promptly besides making arrangements to accommodate Pakistani pilgrims closer to the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah. He proposed to expand ‘Road to Makkah’ project at various airports in Pakistan including Karachi and Lahore, in addition to Islamabad.

Minister Aneeq expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman for their unwavering support in providing the best facilities to pilgrims. He appreciated the Saudi government’s efforts to continuously enhance services for pilgrims from Pakistan.

Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, assured of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to further cooperation with Pakistan. He highlighted that the Saudi government was continuously working to improve services for Pakistani pilgrims, and several new initiatives had been taken to ensure their comfort and convenience.

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Private Hajj operators raise concern on new Hajj Policy

operators
  • Saudi Govt asked to significantly reduce number of hajj operators.
  • Jamal Khan said we will not let anyone steal our revenue.
  • Aneeq Ahmed assured hajj operators of his complete assistance.

KARACHI: Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed presiding meeting with Private Hajj Organizers /Workshop at local hotel of Karachi.

The Hajj organizers raised their concerns regarding new Hajj policy presented by Saudi Government in the recent meetings. Since the caretaker minister Aneeq Ahmed is going on a visit to Saudi Arabia, the hajj organizers wanted to make sure that the minister presents their point of view in front of Saudi Government.

The Hajj operators in Pakistan are more than 900 which has thrived into profitable business over the years. Their two to three generations have over the years engaged in the hajj business. However, Saudi Government has asked to significantly reduce the number of hajj operators as per their new Hajj Policy and vision of Saudi Government.

Aneeq Ahmed have calmed the hajj operators and given a good sign that he will present Pakistan’s case in true sense since it will lead to large number of unemployment but the final decision will be of Saudi Government. He further assured that my way of leadership is democratic and I have always allowed everyone to come and present their issues.

He said he has already conducted 5-6 meetings in this matter and has clear understanding of the magnitude of loss for hajj operators.

Chairman Central Body of Hajj Operators Jamal Khan  said we will not let anyone steal our revenue.

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No room for Jaranwala-like incidents in Pakistan: Aneeq Ahmed

Aniq Ahmed

Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed has expressed resolve to strictly deal with the elements involved in the disruption of peace in the country. In a tweet on Saturday, the Minister, terming Islam as a religion of peace said there is no room for incidents like Jaranwala tragedy. He called on … Read more