This year, an estimated 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims are set to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage. To ensure their well-being, Pakistan has deployed nearly 550 assistants and staff members.
According to Pakistani state media, Saudi authorities have launched a health awareness campaign in various languages, including Urdu, targeting pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom for the Hajj pilgrimage. Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, mandates every financially and physically capable adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime.
Of the total Pakistani pilgrims, approximately 70,000 individuals will undertake the journey under the government scheme, while the remainder will travel through private tour operators. The health awareness campaign is being conducted at prominent locations throughout the Kingdom using numerous smart display screens, including at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the Haramain High-Speed Railway Station, shuttle buses, pilgrim reception centers, malls, and health facilities.
The campaign addresses various health-related topics such as the risks of direct sun exposure, heat exhaustion, dehydration, food poisoning, first aid, and personal hygiene.
As of now, over 42,000 Pakistani pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia. Approximately 390 assistants, including Pakistani civil and uniformed officers, are actively involved in overseeing their travel, accommodation, and provision of quality food. Additionally, more than 150 officers from the religious affairs ministry are stationed at various locations, including airports and control offices, to facilitate pilgrims.
The Hajj pilgrimage for this year is scheduled to take place from June 14 to June 19.
