“We are constantly in touch with the Saudi Hajj ministry,” Qadri said in a statement. The minister said the Saudi government was closely monitoring the situation and considering different options to allow Hajj to take place this year. “Hajj may take place this year if the situation improves.”Last month, Saudi Arabia had told Pakistan not to finalise Hajj agreements related to hotels, provision of food and transport arrangements. In a letter sent to Qadri, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten said there should be no agreement at this time because of the lockdown and containment measures against the virus. “The government has informed all Hajj operators about the decision made by the Saudi authorities and arrangements have been put on hold for now,” the minister said.

Source: The Express Tribune April 12, 2020 07:04 UTC