ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday praised Saudi Arabia’s Hajj arrangements and thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Kingdom’s Hajj authorities for facilitating Pakistani pilgrims during his visit to Mina camps.
He visited camps housing Pakistani worshippers and reviewed facilities provided to them, according to an official statement.
This year’s Hajj is being held under extreme summer heat, with Saudi authorities focusing on heat management, crowd control and medical support for millions of pilgrims gathered in and around Makkah.
Pakistan is among the largest Hajj contributors, with around 179,000 pilgrims expected this year under government and private schemes, including more than 115,000 under the government program.
Saudi Arabia has expanded digital systems, transport infrastructure and crowd-management tools in recent years to improve the pilgrimage experience and enhance safety.
During his visit, Naqvi inspected Pakistani camps in Mina and interacted with pilgrims, including elderly worshippers.
He said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah deserved special appreciation for their arrangements.
He also praised the pre-departure immigration clearance system for Pakistani pilgrims, calling it a major facilitation step.
The minister met a 100-year-old Pakistani pilgrim and lauded his spirit and determination.
He asked pilgrims about accommodation, food and transport facilities. Several pilgrims told him that arrangements were better than in previous years, though some minor issues remained.
“They said staff cooperated well in resolving issues,” the statement noted.
Naqvi also commended Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and the Pakistan Hajj Mission for their management of the pilgrimage operation.
“Every pilgrim is very special to us,” he said, adding that staff remained available to address concerns and ensure smooth facilitation.
