Khudam ul Hajjaj’s selection soon
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—The process to select Khudam-ul-Hajjaj and Hajj Medical Mission to look after Pakistani pilgrims during the performance of Hajj in Saudi Arabia will be completed before special Hajj flights start, official sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs said Saturday.
According to sources, 230 Khudam are being selected from the Armed Forces and civil forces to facilitate pilgrims at Makkah, Madina and Jeddah airports during Hajj season.
A 270-member medical mission comprising doctors and paramedics will be sent to provide medical treatment to the pilgrims and their selection is in final stages.
He said buildings for intending pilgrims who applied under government scheme have been arranged, adding that there are two ‘White’ and ‘Green’ categories of accommodation in Makkah based on the distance from Haram Sharif and the condition of buildings. The ‘White’ category buildings are at a distance of up to 1,500 metres with a rent ceiling of SR1,800 while the ‘Green’ category buildings are at a distance of 1,300 metres with a rent ceiling of SR2,500, he added.
About the training programme, he said master trainers from the teaching faculties of Arabic and Islamic Studies departments of universities and experienced master trainers working on voluntary basis are imparting training to pilgrims up to tehsil level. The provincial governments are also providing all the necessary facilities for the training programme.
He said Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan are also running special programmes on Hajj and advised the intending pilgrims to attend the training programmes regularly.
Updated CDs on Hajj will be made available in the Haji camps at a nominal price for the benefit of the pilgrims before their departure. Hajj booklets “Anwar-e-Harmain” and “Aamal-e-Hajj” are being provided to the pilgrims to enable them to prepare for Hajj.
He said the pilgrims would be allowed to carry 10-litre cans of Aab-e-Zam Zam on their own, adding that PIA would arrange free wrapping and transportation along with providing Ahram to male pilgrims and gown to lady pilgrims of government Hajj schemes, he added.