July 07, 2008	Monday	Rajab 3, 1429

ISLAMABAD, July 6: No major changes are expected in the Haj policy for 2008 except for adjustments in the airfare and accommodation rent.

Announcement of the policy has been delayed because a case of private Haj operators’ groups is pending with the Supreme Court which is expected to give its verdict on July 14.

Religious Affairs Secretary Vakil Ahmed Khan told Dawn on Sunday that 164,647 pilgrims would be sent -- 85,000 under the government scheme and 79,647 through private operators.

He said the government would request the court to expedite the matter to enable it to seek Haj applications in time.

He said 594 groups were involved in sending pilgrims under private Haj policy and arranging their stay in Makkah and Madinah and they would be asked to do the job again.

He said the Haj policy of 2004 was for five years and the new policy would reflect minor changes if necessary.

Meanwhile, Adviser on Religious Affairs Allama Hamid Saeed Kazmi briefed Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on the main features of the policy and said some changes might be made in the previous policy.

The prime minister said the entire process should be transparent. He directed the religious affairs ministry to provide better facilities to pilgrims.