Hajj-2012 arrangements: delegation to visit Saudi Arabia for negotiation

A delegation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs will visit Saudi Arabia from February 16 to 18 to negotiate arrangements for the Hajj-2012 and ensure provision of maximum facilities to pilgrims. "The delegation will negotiate with the Saudi authorities for the provision of maximum facilities for Pakistani pilgrims at concessionary rates," sources in the ministry told APP.
Following the visit, the Ministry will start preparing Hajj policy for the year 2012. Last year, around 180,000 pilgrims were sent to Saudi Arabia to perform the religious obligation under the government and private schemes. In 2011, the sources said the pilgrims were provided mono train facility to perform Mansik-e-Hajj for which the Ministry paid additional charges of 150 Riyal per pilgrim.