Pakistan and Saudi Arabia pledge closer ties on Hajj and Umrah
Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Albugami said a focal person will be appointed to improve services for Umrah pilgrims.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to deeper bilateral ties and closer cooperation on religious affairs, including Hajj and Umrah arrangements, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday.
Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf met Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Albugami in Islamabad, where the two sides discussed pilgrim services and other areas of shared interest.
Yousaf commended the steps taken by Saudi authorities to make travel easier for pilgrims, describing the Route to Makkah initiative as a well-run project that has considerably eased travel for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims.
Albugami said serving Hajj pilgrims is a great honour, which is why the Saudi king holds the title Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
He said a focal person is being appointed to speed up and improve facilities for Umrah pilgrims.
Albugami also praised the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and described Pakistan as a country whose people are known for their hospitality.
He said the doors of the Saudi Embassy would always remain open to Pakistanis.
The Route to Makkah initiative allows pilgrims to complete some entry formalities in their home countries before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan sends one of the largest numbers of pilgrims to Hajj each year, and Saudi Arabia sets the annual quotas for participating countries.
