‘Hajj Pilgrims should avoid political activities’

The head of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, has advised Muslims doing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia to abstain from participating in any political discourse or activities while they are there.
During a news conference held on Thursday at the Lahore news Club in this city, he stressed that the Hajj was a religious obligation that should be carried out alone for Allah’s sake, without any political or sectarian interference.
He reminded the pilgrims that it is totally forbidden to participate in political rallies or sectarian discussions, as well as to fly political flags, banners, or photographs. According to him, 68,000–69,000 pilgrims would complete the Hajj through official channels this year, while 90,000 will undertake it on their own. He said that the Hajj is expected to be over by June 12.