PESHAWAR, Dec 27: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said that getting the opportunity to perform Haj is a great honour for the faithful, urging the pilgrims to fully regard the sanctity of Haj.

Addressing at a function held at Peshawar airport on Friday night to bid farewell to the first batch of the Haj pilgrims, the governor said many people despite being highly pious and having enough financial resources, passed away without fulfilling their desire to perform Haj. Those who are so fortunate to get the blessing of God Almighty to proceed to Haj must therefore exhibit the spirit of sacrifice and face the difficulties, if they occur, with courage and patience, he stressed.

The governor also advised the pilgrims to mainly focus on prayers and utilize the precious opportunity in maximum to avail the blessings of God. He also urged them to pray for the security, solidarity and progress of Pakistan.

The governor also referred to the recent terrorist acts in the country and appealed to the pilgrims to pray for the long life of the President General Pervez Musharraf, as well.

He said no doubt the government had taken concrete steps to facilitate the Haj pilgrims within the country as well as in Saudi Arabia, they should face the problems and difficulties, if any occur, boldly.

They enjoyed the status of Pakistani envoys among millions of Muslims gathered from all over the world, the governor said and hoped they would come up to all expectations in this regard.

Earlier, Director of Haj Zainul Abideen in his welcome address said that arrangements to lift as much as 70,000 pilgrims from Peshawar Haji Camp by air to Saudi Arabia had been made this year.

Later, the governor bade farewell to each and every pilgrim.—PPI