Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink Hajj agreement

Pakistan

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink Hajj agreement

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At least 180,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj in 2012 as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign agreement.

23 February,2012 08:23 am

The agreement was signed by Pakistan Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Shah and Saudi Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar in Jeddah.According to agreement, Hajj visas would be issued to pilgrims holding digital international passports (MRP) only. The number of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims is expected to be increased by 10,000 pilgrims from the number allotted last year.It was also agreed that all Pakistani pilgrims will use the electric rail services during Hajj instead of buses for transport during the actual Hajj days (from Mina to Arafat to Mina).Pakistani pilgrims will be allowed to carry specially prepared Zamzam cans packed and supplied by Khadim ul Haramain Project for supply of Zamzam water.The first Hajj flight will reach Saudi Arabia on September 17 while around 30,000 pilgrims will reach Madinah, directly from Pakistan.