The Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony has finalised the selection of 1,900 Pakistani Moavineen-e-Hajj (welfare staff) for deployment in Saudi Arabia to help intending pilgrims during Hajj days, said official sources of ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony. According to sources, the contingent of 1,300 welfare staff including doctors, para medical staff and the ministry have been nominated by federal ministries, departments, provincial governments, police, civil defense, scouts and other public sector organisations. A total of 179,210 Pakistanis perform Hajj every year. The sub offices of Religious Ministry have been established in Saudi Arabia including Jeddah, Mecca and Medina to facilitate intending pilgrims. Currently the training of muavineen is being continued. The sources said a BPS 20 or 21 officer would supervise the welfare staff. The ministry has also hired the services of 800 local Moavineen-e-Hajj, who could communicate in Arabic with Saudi agencies to facilitate the pilgrims, they added. Published in Daily Times, July 2nd 2018.