Pakistan urges Hajj pilgrims to follow Saudi Arabia's laws
The minister was speaking at a Hajj training workshop in Islamabad organized by the Religious Affairs Ministry, as Pakistan launched the second phase of its mandatory training for Hajj pilgrims on Tuesday.
Pakistan conducted its first phase of Hajj training in January that continued across the country until late February, with intending pilgrims trained via audio-visual devices and other materials.
'Hajj pilgrims are going as ambassadors of Pakistan, take care of the laws there,' Yousaf was quoted as telling pilgrims at the workshop.
'Do not do anything that will bring disrespect to your country,' he added.
He lauded the Saudi government for making impressive arrangements for pilgrims, describing the Kingdom as a 'brotherly country.'
Yousaf said Pakistani officials had reviewed Hajj arrangements in the Kingdom, vowing that pilgrims would not suffer any unpleasant experiences.
The minister said that mandatory vaccinations of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims would be conducted on Apr. 20.
Hajj pilgrims must comply with strict vaccination requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Health to ensure public safety during one of the world's largest annual gatherings.
Mandatory vaccines include the meningitis shot, with additional recommendations for the seasonal influenza vaccine, while travelers from regions prone to yellow fever and polio must also provide corresponding immunization certificates.
These precautions are vital to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among millions of pilgrims converging in the Kingdom from across the globe.
Yousaf said last week around 90,000 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj this year under the government scheme. Saudi Arabia has allowed Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the Hajj, which is split equally between government and private schemes.
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