Orientation camp held for Haj pilgrims

The first orientation programmes for those intending to take Haj pilgrimage this year was organised at Hi-tech Garden Function Hall in Old Malakpet here on Sunday. Deputy Chief Minister Mohd Mahmood Ali inaugurated the programme in the presence of Deputy Mayor Baba Fasihuddin, Malakpet Legislator Ahmed Bin Abdulla Balala and Special Officer Telangana State Haj Committee – S A Shukoor.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Mahmood Ali said the State government was making all arrangements for a safe and trouble-free journey and Haj pilgrimage. “We are in constant touch with the Central Haj Committee and the authorities in Saudi Arabia to see that Hajis do not face hardship during the pilgrimage,” he said.

The State government held talks with the Waqf Rubath Nizam Hyderabad located in Mecca. So far, three buildings have been secured and three more buildings will be taken over in next few weeks. Around 1200 pilgrims can avail the facility where food and laundry service will be provided



free of cost apart from accommodation, he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that the Information Minister K T Rama Rao had spoken to Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and asked her to set up a Consulate of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the city.Professor S A Shukoor, said that the orientation programmes for those intending to perform Haj pilgrimage would be conducted till the first batch of Hajis fly down to Jeddah from the city. “We will be conducting orientation programmes in all cities and districts of the State. Religious scholars will be holding the classes,” he said.

The State Haj Committee would be providing free food for pilgrims at Mina for the first time and apart from this, they would be accommodated in fire proof tents equipped with air-coolers, he said.

On the occasion, Mufti Khaleel Ahmed, vice-chancellor of Jamia Nizamia explained to the Haj pilgrimage intenders various aspects of Haj and Umrah.