06 February 2005	Sunday	26 Zilhaj 1425

ISLAMABAD, Feb 5: The religious affairs ministry had successfully conducted the Haj programme this year and sent a record number of 150,000 pilgrims to perform their religious obligation.

This was stated by Minister for Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr Ijazul Haq during a press briefing on Friday.

Mr Haq said 95,000 pilgrims utilized the government- sponsored Haj scheme while 55,000 benefited from private tour operators.

"Extra arrangements were made for a figure this big. Pilgrims were flown to their destination not only from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar but also from Multan, Faisalabad and Sukkur. The last flight, carrying Hajis, is scheduled to touch down on February 24," the minister said.

He said to provide comfortable accommodation, 424 residential buildings with all necessary facilities were rented for pilgrims from Pakistan.

"However, only 12 of these residential buildings had water shortage problem. This was due to the unexpected turnout of pilgrims touching the three million figure. Buildings with improper facilities have been blacklisted nonetheless", he added.

The minister said a 60-bed hospital was also set up in Makkah besides three dispensaries in Madina.

As many as 100 civil and military doctors and 150 paramedics were sent from Pakistan along with pilgrims for medical assistance, while medicines worth Rs8.5 million were also supplied, the minister said.

Over 249,491 pilgrims from various Muslim countries preferred medical guidance from Pakistani medical staff which was very encouraging, he added.

Only 150 pilgrims expired during their stay in Saudi Arabia. These pilgrims were over 60 years of age and died of natural causes.

Mr Haq said this year 281 private tour operators were requested to register as public limited companies. Their performances were assessed and only 15 failed to provide proper facilities. They have been blacklisted. However, the scheme will continue, he added.

The minister said all necessary measures were taken to meet complaints of the pilgrims during their stay. He said he was personally there to ensure pilgrims faced no difficulties and their problems were attended too.

He said those people who were unable to perform Haj this year would be given top priority next year.