Capacity of Mataf in Mecca Grand Mosque to Rise to 105,000 Pilgrims per Hour

IQNA – The expansion of the Grand Mosque in Mecca would in the long-run benefit all Hajj pilgrims, including by paving the way for an increase in the capacity of Mataf (the circumambulation area around the Kaaba).

This is according to the Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja, the acting Minister of Hajj.

Briefing Pakistan diplomats Wednesday on the reasons for the 20 percent reduction in foreign pilgrims for this year’s Hajj, he said the expansion would increase the capacity of the Mataf from 48,000 pilgrims an hour to around 105,000 pilgrims an hour.

The minister said that the Hajj Ministry would provide a video of the proposed expansion of the Grand Mosque and its benefits in the coming years. Pakistan officials could show this video to pilgrims, Khoja told Pakistan Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan.

Khan also briefed the minister about Pakistan’s preparations for this year’s Haj including issues around transport and accommodation.

Khan praised the Saudi government for providing quality services and facilities for pilgrims to perform Hajj.

Khan was accompanied by Consul General of Pakistan Aftab A. Khokhar, Consul Press Sohail Ali Khan and Director of Hajj Rafeo Shah. Khoja was accompanied by Dr. Hatim Qazi, secretary at the Hajj ministry and Abdul Wahab Baghdadi, director of the office at the minister of Hajj.

The meeting was held at the minister’s office.

Source: Arab News