LAHORE, Aug 5: Agents of Private Hajj Group Organisers are not authorised to receive Hajj applications, and they cannot sell quota to any other organiser.

Federal Ministry for Religious Affair secretary Vakil Ahmed Khan disclosed this while addressing the refresher course for PHGOs and resource persons for training of intending pilgrims. The Religious Affairs Ministry, Hajj Directorate, Lahore, organised the course at Alhamra on Saturday.

Strict action would be taken against the PHGOs selling quota to the other private organisers, and the agents collecting Hajj applications, he warned.

Vakil said that the government was making all-out efforts to ensure provision of maximum facilities to the pilgrims.

He said the ministry was trying to acquire best and nearest buildings for the pilgrims in Makkah, however, he added buildings at distance could also be rented, because many structures had been demolished in the holy city.

The secretary directed the private organisers to inform in detail the pilgrims about their Hajj packages. He urged the intending pilgrims not to submit their applications and dues to unauthorised persons, and must check that the private organisers had a Religious Affairs Ministry’s licence or permission letter.

The organizers and master trainers have been told that how to guide the intending pilgrims and the problems during Hajj as well as the documentation process.

Joint Secretary Hajj Ilyas Dar and Director Hajj Farogh Aftab Zaidi were also present.—APP