Around thirty thousand Pakistani pilgrims have arrived in Madinah to pay homage to the Holy Prophet [Peace Be Upon Him], after the conclusion of Hajj in Makkah.

Radio Pakistan Correspondent Muhammad Akram Khan reports from Madinah that Pakistani pilgrims of Government Hajj Scheme are being housed in three to five-star hotels, situated at the walking distance of 50 to 250 meters from Prophet's Mosque. The proximity of pilgrims' residence enables them to offer all the prayers at the Haram-e-Madani with utmost ease.

Moreover, a three-time meal with Pakistani taste is also being served to the Hujjaj for which 13 catering companies have been hired.

To ensure quality, hygiene, and freshness of food, Pakistan Hajj Mission has made elaborate arrangements in Madinah as well. Food coordinators have been deputed to check quality of food ingredients, cooking process, packaging and distribution of food to the Hujjaj. It is mandatory for catering companies to observe cleanliness and hygiene of their kitchen utensils as well.

Chief Executive Officer Burhan Al-Hodhod, the largest catering company, told Radio Pakistan that his company is providing food to nine thousand pilgrims of Government Hajj Scheme and to the similar number of private Hujjaj. He said his company has the capacity to prepare food for 70,000 people at a time. Besides Pakistan, Burhan Al-Hodhod is providing food to pilgrims of Turkey, Tajikistan, Mali, and other countries as per their respective taste and priorities, Mudassir Saeed added. He said we import Pakistani rice and spices to prepare food for Pakistani pilgrims, which is also a contribution in enhancing country's exports.

(Akram/Zunera)