International passport has been made mandatory for Pakistani citizens intending to perform haj, without which no name would be included in the draw. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi said this during a meeting with Saudi Minister for Haj, Dr Fawad Abdul Salam Al Farsi, said a press release reaching here from Jeddah on Thursday.
The meeting decided that according to the new Haj Policy, performance of Haj will be allowed only on International passports without which no application will be entertained for the forthcoming Haj. Kazmi, who is leading a haj delegation that also comprises of Secretary Religious Affairs Agha Sarwar Kazalbash discussed the arrangements for the coming Haj.
Talking to the Saudi Minister for Haj, Kazmi appreciated the role of Khadimul Haramain Al Sharifan King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz who has devoted himself for the services of Hujjaj. The minister said launching of railway would facilitate the Hujjaj for easily moving in and around sacred places (Mashair-Muqaddasa). Kazmi requested Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the enhancement of quota for 165,000 to 170,000 for the forthcoming Haj.