ISLAMABAD – Hajj applications from aspiring pilgrims have been invited by the ministry of religious affairs from March 16, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Mufti Abdul Shakoor announced Friday.
Addressing a press conference after the approval of the Hajj Policy 2023, Shakoor confirmed that Hajj applications can be submitted to 14 designated banks.
Pakistanis traveling from northern regions need to pay Rs1.175 million for the pilgrimage while citizens traveling in part will pay Rs1.165 million.
Minister justified the prices, comparing them with Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh. At request, Saudi Arabia has limited the cost of Hajj, he confirmed, adding that Finance Department has vowed $90 million to facilitate pilgrims. He continued saying that the price of Hajj increased after the massive devaluation of local currency.
Shakoor further added that the Hajj quota for this year is 179,210, and assured that the government was making all-out efforts to provide maximum relief to pilgrims amid back-breaking inflation.
Pakistan International Airlines has announced to start flight operations for Hajj on 21st May, which will continue till August 2.
In a statement, the PIA said it will transport more than 38,000 intending pilgrims to Hijaz-e-Muqaddas during the Hajj flight operation.
