ISLAMABAD: The federal government is utilizing all available resources to provide best facilities to the pilgrims under the Government Hajj Scheme during the Hajj this year.

Addressing a news conference here in Islamabad on Monday, Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Dr Syed Ata-ur-Rehman said sixty-nine thousand pilgrims would perform Hajj this year under the Government Hajj Scheme.

He said the government has also slashed one hundred thousand rupees Hajj expenditure this year while the airlines have also been asked to reduce their ticket fair. He said the Sponsored Hajj Scheme introduced this year would also be improved.

Elaborating the details of new initiatives taken by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to facilitate the Hajj pilgrims, Dr Ata-ur-Rehman said the government has also introduced Short Hajj this year comprising 20 to 25 days. However, its expenses would be little high due to airlines routes.

He said the government, utilizing modern technology, has also launched Hajj App and all communication with the intending pilgrims has been made through this App. He said the pilgrims would have to install this App in their smart phones to avoid any kind of complexity.

The Secretary Hajj said Pre-installed SIM has been introduced which would be issued to the pilgrims before travelling to Saudi Arabia. He said the SIM would help resolve the issue of telephone calls through WhatsApp as well.

Dr Ata-ur-Rehman said the government has also taken an initiative to give bags to pilgrims of same size and colour for their easy identification and avoid unnecessary sufferings.

He said for the first time, selection of Hajj Assistants (Moavineen) has been made implementing a comprehensive system, ensuring transparency and merit. He said an App has also been developed to monitor the performance of these Hajj Assistants.

The Secretary said the government has timely acquired buildings in Makkah Mukaramah and Madina Munawwarah to facilitate the pilgrims. He said the Pakistani pilgrims would be provided residence at “Markazaiya” in Madina. He said best transport has also been engaged for travelling of pilgrims in Makkah Mukaramah.