Pakistani pilgrims on Saturday lauded the Saudi government for its “impressive” arrangements during this year’s Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said, as Muslims across Pakistan and the world celebrated Eid al-Adha.
Over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year under government and private schemes to perform the annual pilgrimage.
“I had a very good Hajj experience,” said Nadia Sarfaraz, a pilgrim from Karachi. “Everything went smoothly and we have no complaints against anyone. The Saudi government is providing support here and our own government is helping a lot too.”
Rabia Babar, a pilgrim from Islamabad, praised the facilitation of pilgrims, particularly women, highlighting the separate lifts and fully carpeted areas in Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night.
This year’s Hajj saw heightened security and measures to combat illicit pilgrims, along with various heat mitigation efforts that resulted in smaller crowds at the holy sites in Makkah and surrounding areas.
“There were coolers and drinking water available everywhere,” Babar said. “They had large refrigerators and provided water bottles and even shower facilities.”
Faraz Latif, a pilgrim from Quetta, commended both the Pakistani and Saudi governments for the arrangements, urging fellow pilgrims to maintain cleanliness and embrace patience during and beyond Hajj.
“It will help you not just during Hajj but throughout your life,” he said.
The first Pakistani flight carrying Hajj pilgrims back home is scheduled to arrive in Karachi on June 11.
