Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The officials of the Religious Affairs Ministry, Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) held a joint meeting to discuss issues pertaining to Hajj.

The HOAP officials briefed the officers of the ministry and CCP about the private Hajj quota issue and the government’s former Hajj policies towards the private Hajj tour operators in Pakistan.

HOAP Coordinator Javed Akhtar delivered the complete details of the private Hajj companies, Hajj policies of the government in the past, experiences of Hajj companies, arrangements and services being carried out during the past Hajj operations. The officials explained through presentations that private companies delivered quality services and facilities to Hajjis (pilgrims) during the past seasons, fulfilling the requirements.

HOAP Chairman Haji Sanaullah said the government was allotting Hajj quota to private companies considering their satisfactory arrangements for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. He said HOAP officials met Saudi authorities after the 2016 Hajj and admitted that the private Hajj operators were delivering the best services.

Sanaullah said HOAP and all the private Hajj operators had accepted and were complying with the rules and regulations.

The ministry officials said HOAP representatives should communicate with the private Hajj organisers to review their Hajj packages to facilitate
pilgrims.

Sindh HOAP Chairman Yawar Abbas, Punjab HOAP Talib Hussain and senior office bearers Waheed Butt, Waheedullah Afridi and Faisal Saburi were also present.

The ministry officials said they have made plans to enhance facilities for the Hajj sector and provide quality services to pilgrims during Hajj 2017.