ISLAMABAD: Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah Tuesday expressed firm resolve to ensure flawless, transparent and smooth arrangements for the upcoming Hajj- 2011, providing maximum facilities to intending pilgrims at reasonable rates.

“I myself will supervise the next Hajj operations and try to make exemplary arrangements for the guests of Allah Almighty both in Pakistan and at the Holy land Saudi Arabia,” he was talking to APP here.

He said the ministry would start receiving Hajj applications from April 10 adding that this year machine readable passport (MRP) would be mandatory for aspirants of performing the religious obligation.

“No application form will be entertained without having the MRP,” he said.

He advised the intending pilgrims to get their MRPs ready at the earliest to avoid any inconvenience.

To a question, the minister said although the Hajj policy-2010 was announced for three years but the ministry would follow it after making some necessary amendments and removing loopholes, if any.

Commenting on Hajj flight operations, Khursheed Shah said only two international airlines (PIA-Saudi Airlines) were allowed to operate Hajj flights from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and vice versa but he was in favour of competition among the airlines aimed at creating an environment competition. – APP