MAKKAH – Around 180,000 Pakistani pilgrims will be able to use the Mashaer Train this Haj season due to the efforts exerted by the Pakistani pilgrim mission and its negotiations with Haj authorities in the Kingdom, said Adnan Katib, chairman of the South Asia Tawafa Establishment. “Pakistan is the first country whose pilgrims will use the Mashaer Train instead of buses this year,” he said. During a meeting with Syed Khursheed Shah, Pakistan's Minister of Religious Affairs, Katib said his establishment procured 180,000 seats on the train for pilgrims from the country. Katib thanked the Pakistani minister for providing extra services to Pakistani pilgrims this year such as providing them with 10 meals while they stay in Mina. Also, free mobile SIM cards will be given to Pakistani pilgrims to help them stay in touch with their companions and find them quickly. The Pakistani minister also briefed Katib about the new service that Pakistan will introduce this year to allow the mission to track pilgrims who perform prayers inside the Grand Mosque. The minister said this is the first time such a service has been provided in the Kingdom. The Pakistani minister said all pilgrims are informed about the Saudi rules and regulations before travelling to the Kingdom. He thanked Katib for the services the establishment provides to Pakistani pilgrims. First-aid course for women Fifteen female volunteers from South Asia Tawafa Establishment have taken an intensive first-aid course in preparation for this year's Haj. The course trained the volunteers to provide first-aid services to pilgrims during emergencies. Fatin Hussein, chairwoman of the female volunteers committee, said the first-aid course focused on cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills, how to deal with epileptic cases, diabetic comas, wounds, fractures, sunstrokes, burns, cardiac arrests and others. Hayat Ba'arimah, specialist nurse at King Abdul Aziz Hospital in Makkah, delivered the course and attendance certificates were given to all participants.
