The first batch of Pakistani pilgrims consisting of 329 persons arrived in Jeddah Wednesday. Pakistani Ambassador Omar Khan Ali Sherzai and Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Safi Jamal Al-Layl, chief of Moassassa South East Asia, along with acting Consul General Dr. Muhammad Faisal, Director of Haj Bahrullah Hazarvi, and other consulate officials received the pilgrims. The first two pilgrims coming out of the plane were Gul Nawaz and his mother Hamida Begum. Sherzai welcomed them and presented them with flower bouquets. Addressing the pilgrims, Sherzai said that the Almighty Allah has bestowed on them His favor by giving them the opportunity to perform Haj. He requested the pilgrims to supplicate the Almighty for the stability of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He told them to be cautious in observing the regulations of the Kingdom and the rites of Haj. The Ambassador directed the pilgrims to contact the Haj Directorate in case of any problems. The total number of Pakistani nationals performing Haj this year is 159,647. Arrangements for 80,000 pilgrims have been made through the Pakistani Directorate for Haj Affairs while the remaining 79,647 pilgrims will perform Haj through private tour operators, said Hazarvi, adding that a total number of 365 aircraft would be pressed into service to transport the pilgrims. Highlighting the Haj arrangements, he said a hospital at the Pakistan House in Makkah will provide medical services to the pilgrims, and that the city has been divided into 9 sectors, where each sector has a dispensary. About 70 doctors and 250 paramedical staff will render their services to the pilgrims. Two hundred and fifty volunteers have been appointed to help the pilgrims, guide them and direct them towards their place of stay in case they are lost. Hazarvi said the Haj Directorate has employed 215 buildings for the pilgrims, who will be provided with transport facilities. He said Pakistan is free from the H1N1 pandemic.
