Hajj 2026: Minister for Religious Affairs Inspects Facilities at the Fields of Arafat
The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, conducted an official inspection visit to the Fields of Arafat to review the foundational arrangements and logistical facilities deployed for Pakistani pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Hajj.
The Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Secretary of Religious Affairs Abrar Ahmed Mirza, Director General (DG) of Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, and Director Makkah Arif Aslam Rao. During the site visit, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the designated service company (Maktab), Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Rajhi, provided a comprehensive operational briefing on tent setup timelines and service deployments.
Infrastructure Review: Upgraded Beds, Kitchens, and Medical Support
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf meticulously evaluated the essential services prepared for the pilgrims. His inspection covered newly established field dispensaries, specialized sofa-cum-beds designed for maximized comfort, sanitation blocks, and dedicated culinary units.
The Minister announced that facilities for government-scheme pilgrims within the Mashair (Mina and Arafat) have been substantially modernized compared to previous years.
Key Service Guarantees Announced by the Minister
Catering Standards: Pilgrims will be provided with freshly prepared meals cooked strictly in accordance with authentic Pakistani taste profiles throughout their stay in the holy sites.
Pilgrim Guidance: A structured network of supervisors (Nazmeen) and field guides will remain deployed on the ground 24/7 to facilitate navigating the crowds.
Focus on Devotion: The Minister emphasized that "Hajj is fundamentally centered around the Waqoof-e-Arafat (the stay at Arafat)," noting that premium accommodations have been arranged so pilgrims can perform their rituals with complete peace of mind.
Acknowledgment of Saudi Support: Expressing his satisfaction with the current pace of work, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf lauded both the Saudi Government and the Al-Rajhi Company for their exceptional collaborative efforts and robust logistical arrangements for the pilgrim community.