Hajj 2024 Updates: Minister of Religious Affairs in Saudi Arabia
Ministerial Supervision:
- Chaudhry Salik, Minister of Religious Affairs, has arrived in Saudi Arabia to review and oversee the Hajj arrangements.
- He will represent Pakistan at the Hajj Symposium in Makkah.
- The minister and the federal secretary will directly supervise the Hajj operations.
Successful Pre-Hajj Operations:
- The pre-Hajj flight operation for the government scheme concluded successfully with the last 380 pilgrims from Islamabad reaching Jeddah.
- In the coming two days, 20,000 private pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
- A total of 70,000 pilgrims under the private Hajj scheme have already reached Saudi Arabia.
- The departure for Mina will be on the night of June 13 and 14.
- The Pakistan Hajj Mission has set up a camp office in Mina for the pilgrims’ convenience.
Vaccination Requirement and Permit Revocation:
- The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah canceled Hajj permits for domestic pilgrims who failed to get the Neisseria meningitis vaccine.
- 90% of domestic pilgrims have completed the vaccination requirements.
- The ministry urged the remaining pilgrims to quickly obtain the vaccine to avoid permit cancellations.
Read More: Saudi Arabia Warns Hajj Pilgrims of Heatwave
Security and Regulatory Enforcement:
- The Hajj Security Forces arrested 21 people trying to transport 61 pilgrims without Hajj permits.
- The offenders included 13 citizens and eight expatriates.
- Penalties include a 15-day jail term for each carrier, a fine of SR10,000 (multiplied by the number of violators), and deportation of expatriates after serving jail terms with a reentry ban.
- Three vehicles used in transportation are subject to confiscation.
- Public Security officials arrested over 140 fake Hajj firms.
- The Ministry of Interior urged compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure the security and comfort of all pilgrims.
Key Notes:
- The Pakistani Hajj mission and Saudi authorities are working closely to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage for all participants.
- The focus remains on health compliance, security, and the overall welfare of the pilgrims.
