JEDDAH — Pakistan Haj Volunteers Group (PHVG) organized its annual awards and certificate distribution ceremony for its volunteers and supporters, who performed various duties during last year, at the auditorium of Pakistan International School PISJ Aziziyah Thursday. Pakistan's Federal Minister of Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf was the chief guest at the ceremony. Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq, acting consul general and school link officer Asif Memon, secretary Haj Suhail Aamir, deputy general Haj Syed Abu Ahmed Aakif, deputy Haj deputy general Syed Rafah Shah, ex-deputy general Haj Baher ullah Hazarwi, editor in chief Urdu news Tariq Mashkhas, principal Mohammed Bilal, chairman School Managing Committee (SMC) Fazal Subhan were in attendance at the ceremony. A large number of PHVG volunteers attended the ceremony wearing their PHVG green jackets. Yousuf distributed certificates to volunteers from Jeddah, Makkah and Taif. Prominent personalities from the Pakistani community and media, such as Fouzia Khan, Sardar Mustafa Khan, Zakeer Bhatti and Sameera Aziz also received certificate for supporting PHVG in their noble cause. He commended the services extended by PHVG volunteers to the pilgrims in previous years and assured them his cooperation and support when needed. He said: “To serve the guests of Allah (pilgrims) is our religious obligation, and according to the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him), Allah will give rewards in this world and in the Hereafter to those who serve pilgrims.” The minister also announced that Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Haj Mission will arrange parking places for pilgrims' wheelchairs, and provide accommodation to volunteers in Mina and Aziziyah. He said: “I am impressed with the performance of the PHVG volunteers, therefore I have decided to not bring volunteers from Pakistan this year.” He also suggested that the ministry training sessions should be held for Pakistani pilgrims at least two-three days prior to coming for Haj, so that they can perform all the rituals smoothly and comfortably. Earlier, the function started with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an by Hamza Asif. Media in-charge Prof. Wasim Shahid Bukhari was the master of the ceremony. He welcomed all the guests and thanked the chief guest for accepting their invitation on a short notice. Bukhari also gave a brief history of PHVG and appreciated the services of founder members Mohammed Nawaz, Choudhry Shafqat, Sajjad Anwar, Choudhry Yousuf and Sulman Aaraein. Haq said: “PISJ Aziziyah is the largest educational institution of the community therefore, it is our responsibilities to focus and solve the problems of the school.” He also assured his support to PHVG. Coordinator of Haj 2014 Mohammed Ismail gave a presentation on the aims and objects of PHVG. Haj director Syed Abu Ahmed Aaik praised the services of the PHVG volunteers who performed their duties with an aim to earn reward from Allah by serving the pilgrims. Mementos were presented to Mazoorul Haq, Syed Abu Aakif, Suhail Aamir, Asif Memon and Sardar Mohammed Yousuf of PHVG.
