The Ministry of Religious Affairs has successfully reduced the cost of Hajj for Pakistani pilgrims, announcing a fixed airfare of $800 per person with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for the upcoming pilgrimage.
This marks a significant decrease from last year's cost, where the Ministry had paid $850 per pilgrim. The Ministry has allocated a quota of 35,000 pilgrims to PIA for this year's Hajj, ensuring more affordable travel for Pakistanis undertaking the sacred journey.
The move is seen as the first major step by the Ministry to make Hajj more accessible and cost-effective for Pakistani Muslims.
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Govt to allow Hajj pilgrims to pay expenses in installments
The government has proposed a new measure to provide relief to low-income and middle-class citizens planning to go on Hajj.
A proposal allowing pilgrims to pay for Hajj expenses in three installments, instead of a single lump sum, has been submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.
Sources said that the proposal for recovery of expenses from Hajj pilgrims in installments is part of the government's Hajj policy. The federal cabinet will approve this Hajj policy prepared by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
According to sources, prospective pilgrims will have the facility to pay Rs1.1 million in three installments. Under the proposed payment structure, the prospective pilgrims would be initially required to deposit Rs200,000 to apply for Hajj. Following their selection in the lucky draw, they would then pay an additional Rs400,000, with the remaining amount to be paid before departure.
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