Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan praised private Hajj quota holder companies of Pakistan for providing the best facilities to pilgrims, according to Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) Joint Secretary Javed Akhtar Qureshi. Qureshi told reporters on Monday that the Pakistani companies took pilgrims to the kingdom after a written agreement with the pilgrims, noting also that the companies were being monitored and observed by Saudi and Pakistani Hajj mission officials. He said that due to the excellent performance of the private Hajj companies, Pakistan stood second among all Muslim countries that offer Hajj services. After Malaysia, Pakistan was the best service provider during Hajj, Qureshi said. He also said that allegations against HOAP by the non-quota Hajj companies about prior dealing with the Religious Affairs Ministry were baseless and in violation of the law. The official further stated that the government has allotted a quota to the enrolled Hajj companies for their performance. He added that the best services and facilities provided to the Pakistani pilgrims last year were appreciated by the Saudi and Pakistan Hajj mission officials in the kingdom.