Saudi Gazette

MINA — Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah, advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and chairman of the Central Haj Committee, lauded the Indian Haj Mission for its excellent operation of the annual pilgrimage. He made the remarks during his meeting with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs M. J. Akbar, who is heading the Indian Haj delegation, at the emirate office in Mina on Friday.

Prince Khaled said that Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people harness all potentials to the service of Islam and Muslims. He expressed satisfaction over the overall Haj operation of the Indian Haj Mission. For his part, Akbar thanked the emir and the Saudi authorities for the best possible services and facilities being rendered to the pilgrims. He conveyed gratitude of the Indian government to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and his government for enabling the pilgrims perform their rituals in ease and comfort.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar, Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed, Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh and other officials.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Sheikh said that the movement of Indian pilgrims from Mina to Arafat, Muzdalifah and back to Mina went very smooth and on time. “Our Hajis are very much satisfied over the facilities and arrangements being made available to them. They faced not any major issues, except the delay of some pilgrims to reach Arafat because of the transportation arrangements of a muallim and we managed to sort it out quickly,” he said while thanking the Saudi authorities for the excellent arrangements made for the pilgrims. Sheikh said Akbar would address a press conference in Makkah on Saturday.