Minister of Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Tuesday called on Pakistani Hajj -Pilgrims to respect Saudi Arabia’s laws and regard themselves as ambassadors for their country during their stay in the kingdom.

When talking at a Hajj training workshop in Islamabad, organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Yousaf emphasized the importance of complying with local rules.

Pakistan launched the second phase of mandatory training for Hajj Pilgrims on Tuesday after the first phase performed earlier this year.

“Hajj Pilgrims go as ambassadors for Pakistan. Take care of the laws there,” Yousaf told participants. “Don’t do anything that will give respect for your country,” he added.

Yousaf praised the Saudi government for its impressive events for pilgrims and referred to the kingdom as a “brotherly land.” He assured that Pakistani officials had gone through the Hajj events in Saudi -Arabia and promised that pilgrims would not face any unpleasant experiences.

The Minister also announced that compulsory vaccinations for Pakistani Pilgrims would take place on April 20. As part of the requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Health, Pilgrims must comply with strict vaccination protocols to ensure public security.

The mandatory vaccines include the meningitis shoot with additional recommendations for the seasonal flu vaccine. Pilgrims from regions affected by yellow fever and polio are also required to provide immunization certificates.

These precautions are essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases during the annual pilgrimage, one of the largest gatherings of people in the world.

Yousaf confirmed that about 90,000 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj this year under the government scheme.

Saudi -Arabia has awarded a quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan, with half the quota reserved for the government scheme and the other half for private events.