ISLAMABAD: Minister for Religious Affair and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noor-ur-Haq Qadri said 40,000 to 50,000 Pakistanis might be allowed to perform the sacred religious ceremony of Haj this year.
In an interview, he said that the Haj 2021 would take place under special circumstances with special norms, rules and regulations, eligibility, criteria and age restrictions.
The intending pilgrims would be required to strictly follow SOPs (standard operating procedures) during Haj. “Only people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 would be allowed to attend Haj this year and his ministry was ready to comply with this condition.”
He said the pilgrims of less than 20 or over 50 years of age may not be permitted to perform Haj this year.
Saudi Arabia may allow Haj aspirants having sound health without serious illness.
However, he said that the Saudi government has not yet given green signal for going ahead with the Haj arrangements as various Saudi departments of Haj, Umrah ministry, tourism, health and interior were still weighing options to make Haj safe and secure.
To a question, he said efforts were underway to celebrate Eidul Fitr across the country on same day.
Legal cover will be given to Ruet-e-Hilal committee. After legislation, violation of Ruet-e-Hilal committee would be a punishable offence, he said.
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