ISLAMABAD, May 6: The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Mohammad Ejaz-ul-Haq, said on Thursday a permanent and comprehensive Haj policy was under preparation and would be announced soon.

He was speaking at the Haj Conference-2005 organized by the religious affairs ministry at the Islamabad Haj Complex. The minister said the government was trying to prepare a comprehensive Haj policy in the light of proposals and suggestions being received from various Ulema, scholars and people at large.

He said preparation of Haj policy on annual basis was not appropriate, and added a permanent Haj policy was the need of the hour. The new Haj policy would ensure better facilities to the Haj pilgrims, he stressed.

Mr Haq said this year besides the government the private tour operators could also send Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. In this regard, he said, various tour operators and group organizers had contacted his ministry.

He, however, said registration of private tour operators with the ministry was a prerequisite and the government would not allow any private agency to work for Umra and Haj without registration. -APP