Pilgrim welfare: Top Hajj official vows maximum facilities

Akif says that a proper plan had been prepared to accommodate the pilgrims.

ISLAMABAD:

“All possible arrangements have been made to provide maximum facilities to pilgrims during Hajj this year, said Director General (DG) Hajj Syed Abu Ahmed Akif while talking to state television.

Speaking of the measures taken, Akif said that a proper plan had been prepared to accommodate the pilgrims according to the capacity of buildings available during Hajj season. “It is illegal to provide rooms to any pilgrims if it means that the capacity of the building will be exceeded,” he said.

To a question, he said that prior to departure for Makkah, comprehensive training was provided for the intending pilgrims with regard to the arrangements and facilities. Replying to a question, the DG Hajj said that medical staff available had doubled from last year, so that maximum health services could be provided to the pilgrims. He added that the deputy inspector-general of the motorway police had also reached Makkah in the role of transport coordinator.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2011.