ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has awarded Pakistan’s Hajj Mission an international excellence award for the second consecutive year, recognizing its performance in managing pilgrimage operations and services, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Saturday.
The award was presented to Abdul Wahab Soomro, director general of the Pakistan Hajj Mission, during a ceremony hosted by Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah and attended by heads of Hajj missions and senior officials from various countries.
The recognition comes after Pakistan completed arrangements for nearly 179,000 pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season, including about 119,000 under the government scheme and around 60,000 through private operators. Hajj management remains one of the largest annual overseas logistical operations undertaken by the Pakistani government.
“In recognition of the outstanding performance of the Pakistan Hajj Mission at the international level, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah awarded the ‘Labaytum Excellence Award’ to Director General Pakistan Hajj Mission Abdul Wahab Soomro,” Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry said in a statement.
“The award was conferred in recognition of achievements in Hajj management, facilities provided to pilgrims and overall administrative performance.”
