ISLAMABAD, March 19 (APP): Pakistan has succeeded in getting remarkable concession of around Rs.30,000 to Rs.40,000 in expenses of per pilgrim for the year-2011 from Saudi Arabia, sources at the Ministry of Religious Affairs told APP on Saturday.

However, Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, who is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss the arrangements for upcoming Hajj, would officially inform the media about details of his highly successful talks with the Saudi authorities on his return, the sources said.

 They said the ministry was devising an effective strategy to ensure provision of maximum facilities to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia so that they could perform the religious obligations in a smooth manner. This year, Khursheed Shah would himself monitor and supervise the whole Hajj operation to ensure flawless arrangements for the pilgrimage.As a result of successful lobbying by the Ministry, the Saudi authorities have agreed to allow a substantial jump in the number of intending pilgrims to the holy places in the Kingdom for the next Hajj.

Saudi Arabia has approved additional Hajj quota of 20,000 for Pakistan, increasing it from the existing 158,000 to 179,210. This concession has so far been granted to Pakistan only, the sources said.Pakistan has acquired a huge building comprising 211 rooms in Makkah, Saudi Arabia for four years and named it as “Pakistan House,” which is at a distance of 900 metres from Masjid-e-Haram.The sources said “metro facilities” including train journey, which were earlier available at 250 Saudi riyals, would now be provided at 100 Saudi riyals. 

However, the amount would be refunded to those pilgrims who would not avail the train facility, they said adding “The pilgrims availing the metro facility will reach Mina and Arafat in just five minutes.”Moreover, the expenses of lodging and food during Hajj days, which were earlier 700 Saudi riyals, has now been reduced for Pakistani pilgrims under a special concession to only 200 riyals, the sources said.