KARACHI: Haj pilgrims still await visas

Published February 2, 2003

KARACHI, Feb 1: People who had applied for Haj visas under the open scheme through the ministry of religious affairs have been facing hardships as neither they have been issued visas nor are being provided with any information.

About fourteen thousands intending Hujjaj had submitted their international passports following an announcement that all those who would apply under the scheme would get visas.

They were also given assurances reportedly by the Saudi ambassador in this regard. As the Saudi airports will be closed on Feb 5 for Haj flights, the intending Hujjaj are in a state of anxiety.

Many of them approached Dawn, asking where they could get the information about their applications.