Pakistani pilgrims get full support as Saudi Arabia deploys 17,000 officers for Hajj

First Hajj flight under Road to Makkah initiative from Islamabad airport left on July 04, 2019. A member of immigration staff checking travel documents for Hajj pilgrims. The Saudi team installed a pre-immigration system at the airport to facilitate Pakistani travelers flying to holy cities Makkah and Madinah this year. (Courtesy: Pakistan Aviation official webpage)

The Directorate for Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia has deployed 17,000 highly trained personnel, supported by 3,000 vehicles, to serve round-the-clock during Hajj. (SPA / file )

• Security efforts will focus on preventive measures at one of the world’s largest annual congregations
• 200,000 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj this year

ISLAMABAD: The General Directorate of Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia started preparations for this year’s Hajj season by executing its annual general emergency plan, which includes mobilizing more than 17,000 officers and 3,000 vehicles to deal with public safety challenges, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, as Pakistani and other Hajj pilgrims arrive by the thousands in the country.
The general directorate aims to preserve the safety of pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques, during one of the world’s largest annual congregations. Last year, 1.75 million people performed the rites of Hajj, according to figures from the Saudi General Directorate of Passports.
Over 116,000 Pakistani pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Hajj, with 200,000 people from the Muslim majority country of 208 million people expected to perform the obligatory religious ritual this year.
Earlier this week, Pakistan’s director general for the country’s Hajj mission, Dr. Sajid Yousfani, told Arab News in Jeddah that the mission was “getting full support and co-operation” from Saudi officials to facilitate Pakistani Hajj pilgrims.
Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Amro, general director of Civil Defense, said his department’s efforts would focus on preventative security measures, including raising awareness, ensuring the availability of security measures in all locations, and stressing the importance of safety principles.
He said the plan included joint training with concerned parties, and the distribution of Civil Defense services in order to quickly respond to emergency situations.
Makkah municipality also recruited over 23,000 workers to implement its plan for this year’s Hajj season. They will be on hand 24 hours a day, divided into several shifts and focusing on crowded areas.
The Pakistan Hajj mission was also facilitated by the Saudi government in setting up a state-of-the-art medical camp with 180 doctors, two hospitals and 18 ambulances.