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Govt cancels Hujjaj

accommodation pact

with Saudi cos

ISLAMABAD: The government has cancelled the agreement with two Saudi firms in Madina for provision of accommodation to Pakistani Hujjaj due to breach of agreed terms.

Talking to APP on Saturday Dr. Safdar Mahmud, Secretary for Religious Affairs, said the matter had been taken up with the Governor of Madina and the firms Al-Habreeh and Al-Attas have been sued for imposing fine and confiscation of security to the tune of 400,000 Saudi riyals.

He said a fresh agreement had been signed with Al-Ansar firm on the same terms and conditions for better accommodation. Hujjaj will not face any problem, he added.

The secretary said a six-member Army monitoring team was watching closely the entire Haj operation in Makkah and Madina including performance of the Haj staff. The Army monitoring team was also keeping an eye on the performance of Haj directorate and Haji camps in the country.

Complaints by Hujjaj about Haj arrangements are being redressed immediately as he is constantly in touch with the Haj directorates in both the holy cities, he said.

Dr. Safdar Mahmud said standing instructions had been issued that any lethargy or negligence on the part of any staff member would not be tolerated and be packed back immediately to Pakistan.

To a question about problem faced by about 1,600 intending Hujjaj, who could not be given Haj visa so far, he said Saudi Haj directorate had been contacted for more visas. Positive signals had been received and these Hujjaj would get visas soon.

The secretary said more than Rs 1 billion had been handed over to PIA in advance for repair of their planes to initiate Haj operation.

Every building having Pakistani Hujjaj will have a Khadim along with a register for guidance and help to them. Arrangements have been made to convey information about death of Hujjaj in the holy cities promptly to their family members in Pakistan, he said.

He said banking staff had been dispatched to Saudi Arabia for provision of duplicate travelling cheques in case of their loss.

Dr. Safdar Mahmud said all Haji camps in different cities had been equipped with necessary provisions including electric fans and coolers, quilts, pillows and chairs with the help of philanthropists.ÑAPP