Pakistan PM to approve criteria for Pilgrim Tour Operators
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will approve the final criteria for the selection of tour operators for allotment of Hajj quota, Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary Wakeel Ahmed Khan says. "Since the Minister for Religious Affairs is abroad, the recommendations regarding the finalization of criterion for tour operators would be sent to the Prime Minister for approval," Khan said.
He said the ministry had recommended that regional tour operators should be given priority in allotment of quota as the local Hajjis (pilgrims) could take up their complaints with them during the Hajj performance.
Khan said the ministry would seek bank guarantees from the applicant tour operators for issuance of license and in case they fail to deliver according to the package, they would be taken to task.
The secretary said issue of quota allotment would be resolved by July 15.
He said the cabinet had given approval to Hajj policy for five years in 2004. However, he added, the ministry would submit minor adjustments to the Prime Minister as per requirements.
Khan said around 150,000 people would perform Hajj this year. However, he added, his ministry has requested the Saudi Government for a further increase of 10,000 Hajjis which would raise the tally to 160,000.