Pakistan is seeking an increase in the Haj quota allotted to it by the Kingdom. The increase is being sought in view of the rise in the country's population, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, said here on Monday night. The Ministry of Haj has sanctioned a quota of 0.001 percent of the total population of Pakistan and according to this limit 165,000 pilgrims performed Haj last year. This year Pakistan is requesting that 170,000 pilgrims be permitted to perform Haj, Kazmi said upon his arrival at Jeddah airport. He was received by Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi, Director General of Public Relations in the Ministry of Haj. On Tuesday, Kazmi had a meeting with Dr. Fuad Bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy, Minister for Haj, to review issues pertaining to the Pakistani pilgrims. Dr. Al-Farsy reiterated the keenness of the Saudi government to extend the best possible services to the pilgrims. When asked about the Haj packages for 2009, Kazmi said this year the Haj packages will be reduced in view of the reduction in the price of petrol and the fact that Pakistan International Airlines has offered a reduced fare for pilgrims. The Haj packages will range between SR5,000-10,000, he said. As per Ministry of Haj regulations, pilgrims staying more than two kilometers from the Grand Mosque are to be provided bus services for all five daily prayers. Minister Kazmi said shuttle services will also be provided for aged and sick pilgrims who are staying more than a kilometer from the Grand Mosque.
