ISLAMABAD, July 20: Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs Wakil Ahmed Khan on Wednesday said that a list of private tour operators to be registered with the ministry for haj operations would be published by July 31. Talking to PTV, he said intending Hajis who wanted to avail services of private tour operators should wait for the list.

He advised them not to pay hajj expenses before issuance of the list. He said intending hajis should ensure, before payment of money, that the operator they have selected is registered with the ministry.

Answering a question he said 45,000 intending hajis from Pakistan would reach Madina directly for the next Haj. He said better buildings were being hired for pilgrims. —APP