Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has reiterated government's commitment to ensure the best possible arrangements for intending pilgrims.

Addressing the annual Hajj Conference in Islamabad today, he said the Ministry has made excellent arrangements this year as well and there is zero tolerance in this regard.

The Minister said he visited Saudi Arabia to review arrangements on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who takes special interest in facilitating the guests of Allah.

Talking about the problems being faced by the private Hajj tour operators, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said he has personally taken up this matter with his Saudi counterpart and other stakeholders and requested them to extend the deadline. He said it is a policy matter on part of the Saudi government and expressed the confidence that Pakistani pilgrims will also be given due consideration if any concession is accorded to other countries regarding extension of the deadline. He, however, assured that the amount deposited is safe and recorded in the system.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi urged the pilgrims to abide by Saudi laws.

He advised the Hujjaj to refrain from indulging in political activities and debates while remaining fully focused on praying during their stay at the Holy land.

Meanwhile, addressing the concluding training session of the Hajj Moavineen in Islamabad today, the Minister for Religious Affairs emphasized to provide the best services to the guests of Allah.

He said serving Hujjaj in the best possible way is a great honour for Moavineen.

The Minister said he will also remain present in Saudi Arabia to address any complaint of the Hujjaj.

He highlighted that he will not avail any protocol as he had not claimed any such thing in past as the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.