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Massive steps should be taken to make the Hajj-like religious obligation easier & cost-effective: Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

ISLAMABAD, Oct 09 (SABAH): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has directed to ensure the provision of the best facilities to the pilgrims at a low cost.

Chairing a briefing on the performance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Islamabad on Monday, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said massive steps should be taken to make the Hajj-like religious obligation easier and cost-effective.

The Prime Minister said a strict vigilance of the private Hajj tour operators should be ensured so that the pilgrims performing Hajj under the Private Scheme could not face any kind of difficulties.

He directed the Ministry to present the Hajj Policy 20224 at the earliest for final approval from the Federal Cabinet.

The Prime Minister was apprised of the progress on the preparation of Hajj Policy 2024 and steps taken in this regard.

Meanwhile Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf called on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in Islamabad on Monday.

The Prime Minister congratulated Naveed Ashraf on assuming the command of Pakistan Navy and expressed his best wishes. The Prime Minister hoped that Pakistan Navy will continue to play an active role in national defence under the leadership of Naveed Ashraf.

Professional matters pertaining to the Navy were also discussed during the meeting.

Meanwhile Anwar ul Haq Kakar has directed the relevant authorities to speed up the process of privatization of loss making state-owned enterprises.

He was talking to Minister for Privatization Fawad Hasan Fawad who called on him in Islamabad on Monday and apprised him of progress on privatization of these enterprises.

The Prime Minister said privatization of loss making enterprises is vital to save the national exchequer from further loss.

He said role of Special Investment Facilitation Council in this regard is commendable.   

Meanwhile Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has expressed deep grief over the devastating earthquake in Herat, Afghanistan. In a tweet on Monday, he expressed heartfelt sympathy for the communities affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Afghans during this difficult time. He said National Disaster Management Authority has been instructed to send maximum support to Afghanistan.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said Afghan government has specifically asked for sending medical team, field hospital, 50 tents and 500 blankets. He said on his instructions, in addition to the relief goods, all the requested items are being dispatched in the afternoon today, with more relief goods to follow.