Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs, Shaukat Hayat Durrani on Thursday held a meeting with Saudi Deputy Hajj Minister, Dr Essa Rawas in Makkah, Saudi Arabia and discussed matters relating to bilateral interests. Presently, a Pakistani delegation headed by Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah is on a visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss the arrangements for Hajj-2011.
Joint Secretary (Hajj), Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hafiz Sher Ali and Director General (Hajj) in Jeddah Syed Ahmed Abu Akif were also present in the meeting, said a message received here from Saudi Arabia. During the ongoing visit, the Saudi authorities have approved additional Hajj quota of 20,000 for Pakistan, increasing it from the existing 158,000 to 179,210 for the year 2011. Pakistan has acquired a huge building comprising 211 rooms in Makkah, Saudi Arabia for four years and named it as "Pakistan House," which is at a distance of 900 metres from Masjid-e-Haram.