Hyderabad: Advisor to the Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Saturday flagged off buses carrying Haj pilgrims from Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport from Haj House in Hyderabad.
During the programme, he said the State Government had made elaborate arrangements for Haj pilgrims this year. He also said the Government decided to bear the additional airfare burden of Rs. 10,000 imposed on each pilgrim for Haj-2026.
Shabbir Ali said the Haj Committee of India introduced the additional airfare charges because of the prevailing situation in West Asia. He added that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s intervention provided relief to nearly 7,000 pilgrims from Telangana.
Telangana Haj pilgrims advised to maintain discipline during journey
Addressing the gathering, Shabbir Ali said around 4,000 pilgrims from Telangana had already reached Holy Mecca while preparations continued for the remaining departures.
He advised the pilgrims to remain disciplined, offer prayers regularly and show patience throughout the journey. Referring to travel difficulties, he asked them not to become anxious during immigration checks, baggage procedures or other travel formalities.
He urged pilgrims to spend more time in worship at Haram Sharif and continue reciting Talbiyah during the pilgrimage. He also requested them to pray sincerely after seeing the Holy Kaaba.
The Advisor cautioned pilgrims about the hot weather conditions and advised them to drink sufficient water, eat carefully and follow doctors’ advice during the Haj period.
Shabbir Ali also highlighted the importance of educational and social progress in the community. He stressed the need to learn new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, for future advancement.
