ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Director General for Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro said on Monday that Hajj arrangements for the current year have been significantly upgraded in terms of both infrastructure and administrative efficiency, APP reported.
While briefing the media in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Soomro stated that the completion of arrangements has been “fast-tracked,” with tasks traditionally finalized in the early days of Zil-Hajj completed two months in advance this year.
He highlighted that despite the arrival of 30,000 additional pilgrims, the residential inventory in Makkah has improved by 90% compared to last year.
To accommodate this increase, high-quality buildings have been acquired in four new sectors, including Jarwal, Nuzha, and Raiya Bakhsh.
Regarding the most critical phase of Hajj, the “Mashair Movement,” the official said that all tents in Mina were fully prepared a month before Hajj. These tents are equipped with sofa-cum-beds and fully functional air conditioning systems.
“Integrating digital solutions into the system, we have introduced a ‘Bed Number’ facility in the Hajj application,” the DG said.
“Pilgrims are being trained using maps in their residential buildings so they can locate and settle into their allotted beds within minutes upon reaching the tent city,” he added.
During the briefing, he also emphasized the transparency of the “Nusuk Card” distribution and pre-arrival data.
He explained that an automated system, developed in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, ensures that data is provided 72 hours before flight arrivals. This allows pilgrims to receive their cards, room allotments, and keys immediately upon arrival in Madinah without any delay.
Soomro expressed optimism that, due to these improved administrative measures and the use of modern technology, Pakistan is a strong contender to win the “Labaytum Award” again this year. It is an international recognition for excellence in Hajj services.
On the occasion, Pakistani pilgrims described the reception by the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Madinah and Makkah as “outstanding” and “mind-blowing,” according to the report.
Categorizing the arrangements as “A1,” the pilgrims noted that their luggage was delivered safely and that the quality of food and accommodation significantly eased their spiritual journey.
