Doha, Aug. 01 (QNA) - The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs said that in light of the increasing media campaigns that claim that the State of Qatar has banned its citizens from performing Hajj, the Ministry confirms that these allegations are in fact defiant and appear to be a continuation of the use of pilgrimage for political purposes, which has not stopped since the declaration of the siege on the State of Qatar on 5 June 2017.

The Ministry confirmed in a statement today that it had been contacting the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia and explained all the difficulties faced by Qataris and residents in the State of Qatar and called for solutions, adding that the land port is still closed to Qatari pilgrims and residents. The air blckade remains standing, in addition to the obstacles related to the issuance of Hajj visas to residents of Qatar.

The ministry stressed that the previous factors and their effects will be reflected negatively on the safety and security of pilgrims.

The statement concluded by inviting the authorities in Saudi Arabia to abide by religious decrees on political decisions.