Minister for Religious Affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi Saturday said that Hajj arrangements made by Saudi government were excellent and due to its performance this year no untoward incident occurred during Hajj season.
Talking to private TV channels he said, problems were faced by Pak Hajj pilgrims in five ‘Maktabs’ in Mina as the facilities which should have been provided by the contractors, hired by ‘Muasasa’ for South Asia, were not available there. ‘Muasasa’ was misguided by its contractors, he added.
He said, “As we received the information about missing facilities in
Mina, the authorities concerned were contacted and the entire situation was brought into their notice. I myself was involved in this process.
They admitted the fault and ensured that all out efforts would be made to facilitate Pak Haj pilgrims.” He clarified that provision of facilities in Mina was not responsibility of the Saudi government rather it was responsibility of a contractor who had promised to compensate Pak Hajj pilgrims.
He informed that these ‘Maktabs’ had to be shifted to a new place due to unavoidable circumstances. He said the arrangements in newly established five ‘Maktabs’ dedicated to Pakistani Hajj pilgrims could not be finalized in time.
He dispelled the perception that Saudi government talked about compensation issue. The Minister said, “Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country of Pakistan and in my first meeting after reaching there, I had thanked the Saudi government for its generous contribution and financial assistance for Pakistani brothers during recent floods in Pakistan.”
To a question he said, sometimes, media reports a news out of context which creates a different perspective about a matter.
He appreciated the Hajj arrangements on part of Saudi government and hailed its efforts to upgrade facilities for Hajj pilgrims.
He said Saudi government ever expressed positive attitude for Pakistan and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia are assets for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment