ISLAMABAD: Aneeq Ahmed, the Interim Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony, announced on Tuesday that the government will distribute 13 kg suitcases, female abayas featuring the Pakistani flag on the back, and free mobile phone SIMs with roaming internet packages to pilgrims undertaking Hajj this year.
While talking to a private news channel, the minister highlighted the historical significance of the caretaker government’s decision to significantly reduce Hajj expenses by one lakh, with an additional 50,000 reduction expected in the coming days, ensuring a refund to the pilgrims.
He introduced a new mobile application to assist pilgrims, offering navigation support and enabling constant communication between pilgrims and relevant officials. Initially available in English and Urdu, the application will incorporate various regional languages and provide digital training programs for every pilgrim.
The minister also discussed a collaborative project between the Ministry of Hajj and the Ministry of Education, aiming to transform city mosques into schools for enrolling out-of-school children. Imams of mosques will lead in this initiative, and the mosques will function as community centers in various city areas. Imams are expected to address community issues following prayers.
The minister for religious affairs mentioned another initiative in which medical clinics will be incorporated into mosques. His ministry is carrying out this project in partnership with the health ministry.
He continued, saying that all masjids will have lady health workers and other vital medical staff to assist individuals visiting the various sections within the masque.
Overall, these initiatives aim to facilitate Hajj pilgrims and utilize mosques as central hubs for community development and welfare projects. —APP
