Over a thousand Haj pilgrims have returned back safely through three Chartered Haj Flights of Air India, after performing Haj, the fifth pillar of Islam and an obligation on every adult Muslim.
Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali received the pilgrims of first flight at Haj Terminal of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamsabad, in the morning.
Minorities Welfare Department Secretary G. D. Aruna, MWD Director Mohammed Jalaluddin Akber, Haj Committee Special Officer Prof. S. A. Shukoor, TSMFC MD B. Shafiullah and others were present on this occasion.
Speaking to media persons, Mahmood Ali said that Telangana had the pride of place in making the best arrangements for the Haj pilgrims in the country. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao is determined to provide better services to the Haj pilgrims. In the combined State budget of the State Haj Committee was Rs. 2.00 crores, which remained same despite bifurcation. Appreciating the efforts of the Special Officer and his team, he said that the pilgrims are also happy with the arrangements made by the State Haj Committee.
Prof. Shukoor said that this year 5451 pilgrims from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states left for pilgrimage from Hyderabad Embarkation Point. Out of which 2963 belonged to Telangana, 1819 from Andhra Pradesh and 654 from Karnataka state who left through 16 Chartered Haj Flights, while 15 more left by regular flight of Air India. (INN)