In a message to the king, the Pakistani prime minister said: “The government and people of Pakistan share the concerns of the government and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia about Your Majesty’s health and stand in supplication for Your Majesty’s early recovery and resumption of usual affairs of life.

“May Allah Almighty bless Your Majesty with complete and early recovery to lead the people of Saudi Arabia and the Ummah.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Umar Khan Alisherzai congratulated King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and Prince Naif, second deputy premier and minister of interior for the peaceful Haj.

Saudi officials have declared the organization of this year’s Haj a major success as the annual pilgrimage ended without problems.

The authorities also said there were no cases of any communicable diseases among pilgrims.

The ambassador also thanked the Saudi government on behalf of the president and the prime minister of Pakistan for providing excellent facilities to the pilgrims.

The ambassador said the personal interest taken by the Saudi leadership resulted in a successful Haj. Prince Naif, who oversaw the Haj arrangements, deserved special appreciation for the excellent organization, the ambassador said. He said Saudi agencies involved in the Haj operation had worked with devotion and zeal.

The expansion of Jamrat structure eliminated chances of stampede and crowding leading to the smooth performance of Haj. Another factor that prevented congestion and traffic chaos was the train service between Mina and Arafat, Alisherzai said.

The Mashair Railway Project drastically reduced the time took by pilgrims to reach one location from another. The service will be fully commissioned next year and will extend to Makkah.