King orders review of Haj plans

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has ordered a review of the Kingdom’s Haj plans and entire procedures for the annual pilgrimage of Haj following the stampede in Mina. 

The King also directed the agencies concerned to carry out a prompt investigation into circumstances that led to the tragedy, and present him the report at the earliest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

King Salman, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, gave the order while addressing a meeting of princes, ministers and senior government and military officials as well as scholars, including Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, who came to greet him on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha at the Mina Palace on Thursday. 

At the outset of his speech, the King greeted Saudi citizens and pilgrims on the occasion of Eid. He conveyed condolence on the death of pilgrims, praying to Almighty Allah to accept these pilgrims as martyrs and to give speedy recovery to the injured. 

King Salman also ordered to examine whether the tawafa organizations and other agencies are fulfilling the roles and responsibilities that have been entrusted to them. 

“We have instructed the agencies concerned to improve the standard of the organization and management of the movement of pilgrims. We will work, God willing, to overcome all obstacles and difficulties so as to enable the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort,” the King said.

“Regardless of the findings of the investigations, we will not stop the process of improving the mechanism and style of functioning during the Haj season. Our responsibility and obligation in serving the Guests of God are immense and we see it as an honor,” the King said.