Saudi Arabia promises special facilities for Afghan pilgrims

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: The ceremony was held in Kabul on Wednesday with the participation of officials of the Islamic Emirate, representatives of tourism and pilgrimage companies from all over the country and political and cultural figures.

 

Mohammad Amir Gulab Sultanzoi, head of the Umrah Pilgrimage and Tourism Companies Union, said the aim of the union was to coordinate the activities of pilgrimage companies, adding that the union was officially registered with the Ministry of Justice and had received a license from the Ministry of Guidance, Hajj and Endowments. He stressed the need to hold the Hajj pilgrimage regularly and with national dignity.

 

Maulvi Zakirullah Hashemi of Ariana Airlines described Hajj as a spiritual, pilgrimage and tourism journey and said serving the people was the main goal of the national airline.

 

He stressed the role of state-owned companies in controlling prices and creating jobs.

 

Maulvi Qudratullah Jamal, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, called the role of tourism and pilgrimage companies in developing tourism and creating economic opportunities fundamental and stressed the need to obtain legal licenses and provide quality services to domestic and foreign tourists.

 

He also announced the establishment of a specialized tourism institute to train youth.

 

Mufti Ahmad Zia Khabib, Director General of Cohesion of the Ministry of Justice, stressed the joint responsibility of the government, companies and people in the process of Umrah and expressed satisfaction with the reduction of violations in this regard.

 

He called for companies to consider the economic situation of the people and provide better services at lower costs.

 

Ghulam Jilani Wafa, deputy minister of transport, announced the establishment of standard services at the country's airports to facilitate air travel and asked travel service companies to provide services in accordance with professional and Islamic standards.

 

The ceremony stressed that the Saudi side has promised to provide special facilities, including suitable accommodation and interpreting services, for Afghan pilgrims. The members of the union considered the standardization of the Umrah process and reducing violations as their important achievements and emphasized efforts to create job opportunities for youth in the country.