ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Muhammad Aminul Hasnat has said that the government had decided to introduce a special tracking system this year to know about the exact location of each pilgrim.
Talking to PTV News, the minister said that for the purpose a device would be fixed in wrist watches, lockets or rings worn by the Hujjaj (pilgrims) which would help the monitoring team keep their track.
Replying to a question, he said food would be provided to the pilgrims of Government Hajj Scheme during their stay in Makkah Mukarrammah, Madina Munawwarrah and Mashahir (Mina) as it was included in the package.
“The Hujjaj will also be provided with air cooler facility in Arfah,” he added.
He said that pilgrims of government Hajj Scheme would be provided residential facilities within 500 meters near Haram Sharif.
He said all Hujjaj would be provided five liter `Zam-Zam’ water in specially packed bottles upon their return to Pakistan.
He said that government has launched a training programme for the Hujjaj to guide them throughout the whole trip.
He said a comprehensive awareness campaign would also be launched on national media for the guidance of `Hujjaj’.
He assured that `Hajj Mohafiz Scheme’ based on concept of `Takaful’ would continue this year.
Total 143,268 pilgrims would perform the sacred obligation, 60 per cent (86,021) under the Government Hajj Scheme and 40 per cent (57,247) through Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs).