ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced to start Pakistan鈥檚 post-Hajj operations on Wednesday while applauding the Saudi government for making 鈥渆xemplary鈥� arrangements for pilgrims even in scorching heat.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, took place during this week, with over 1.5 million people from across the world performing its rituals in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Muslims across the world also celebrated Eid Al-Adha for three days after the pilgrims spent a day in Arafat where they also attended the Hajj sermon.
鈥淒espite the severe heat, the Saudi government鈥檚 Hajj arrangements were exemplary,鈥� Hussain said during a consultation meeting at the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Makkah. 鈥淲e are starting the post-Hajj operation.鈥�
The meeting reviewed the overall situation during the annual Islamic pilgrimage this year.
The Pakistani minister pointed out the Saudi authorities had taken several measures to mitigate the heat by setting up water sprinklers and a distribution system for cold water and beverages.
He also noted that mobile health units and dispensaries had been established in all the major areas to ensure the health of the pilgrims.
Hussain responded to reports of the absence of Pakistani Hajj assistants in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah by saying the assistants were present at specific intersections but had to move due to overcrowding in the area.
As the rush normalized, however, he said they were sent back again to guide Pakistani pilgrims.
The meeting highlighted the importance of comprehensive training to deal with the rush of transport in the holy sites, the possibility of losing the way and coping with the severity of the weather.