Makkah: Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Syed Ata ur Rehman has reiterated the government’s commitment to enhance Hajj operations through early preparations, stringent selection criteria, and integrated coordination among all stakeholders. He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held to acknowledge the services of the welfare staff during Hajj in Makkah.

According to Radio Pakistan, Dr Ata ur Rehman emphasized the importance of providing timely training and clear instructions to ‘Nazimeen’ (group leaders) to ensure they are fully prepared to effectively facilitate the pilgrims. He stated that more rigorous and specialized standards will be adopted for selecting welfare and health staff in the future. He stressed that support staff must be well-versed in Mina’s geography, and future assessments will reflect this requirement to enhance the quality of on-ground assistance for pilgrims.

Expressing satisfaction over the positive feedback received from various quarters regarding outstanding Hajj arrangements, Dr Ata ur Rehman said such appreciation is a matter of pride and motivation for the entire team. The Secretary urged officials to maintain the same diligence and care in the remaining phases of the operation to uphold the excellence and honour achieved so far.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Somroo stated that the government aims to improve pilgrim accommodations, particularly for elderly people, by allocating ground-floor rooms for them and providing better residences in Mina and Arafat camps. He added that every year, new measures are introduced to enrich the Hajj experience, and they will continue to innovate.

Chief Coordinator Makkah Dr. Mirza Ali Mehsood lauded the implementation of the NTS system in staff selection, which ensures transparency, fairness, and merit-based appointments.