Pilgrimage preparations: ‘Hajj arrangements finalised’

LAHORE: Adviser to Prime Minister on Aviation Shujat Azeem on Wednesday said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had finalised preparations for Hajj pilgrims. He was addressing therenovation ceremony of Hajj Terminal at Allama Iqbal International Airport.  Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf was also present. According to statement issued by the PIA, Yousaf said the Ministry of Religious Affairs had made best possible arrangements to facilitate pilgrims. He said teams were sent to Saudi Arabia to check the arrangements.Azeem said on the directions of the prime minister, renovation of Hajj lounges at all airports had been completed. He said the Hajj lounge at Allama Iqbal Airport had been upgraded and number of immigration counters had been increased. He said new air conditioners had also been installed. He said the PIA would use four aircraft, two Boeing 747s and two Boeing 777s, for the Hajj operation. He said no aircraft had been taken on lease for this purpose this year. He said the PIA would set up special desks at all Hajj camps.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2014.