Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro says excellent arrangements have been made in Saudi Arabia to ensure the utmost comfort for intending pilgrims under the government scheme.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan's correspondent Asad Ullah Khan in Makkah today, he said that 278 buildings have been acquired to accommodate 118,925 Pakistani pilgrims in Al-Aziziyah, Bathah Quraish, Al-Naseem, Rai Bakhshi, Jarwal, and Nuzha.

He said a free-of-cost, round-the-clock shuttle service is being provided to pilgrims residing in Al-Aziziyah for easy access to Haram.

Responding to a question, he said that all Pakistani pilgrims in Madinah Munawwarah have been accommodated in hotels within the Markaziya area.

The DG Hajj said all payments and contracts are executed online via the Masar portal, eliminating corruption, misrepresentation, and human error.

Replying to another question, he said “Short Hajj” has gained significant popularity in Pakistan.

Abdul Wahab Soomro said the Pakistan Hajj Mission has also introduced the family rooming system, under which family rooms with two or three beds are available for an additional fee.

He said the “Green Baggage” initiative has revolutionized luggage identification at airports.

Abdul Wahab Soomro said mobile SIM cards are provided to pilgrims immediately upon arrival in Makkah or Madinah.

He said that 118,925 Pakistanis will perform Hajj this year under the government scheme.

Regarding transportation, he said that 55 percent of pilgrims will utilize train services, while 45 percent will travel by buses.