The federal government has rolled out the Hajj policy 2019 and has rejected the Islamic council’s recommendations for a subsidy.
The decision to turn down the subsidy was taken in a federal government meeting today.
The government, instead, vowed to provide maximum facilities to Hajjis. To that end, the government will appoint a supervisor who will monitor the entire hajj operation. The officer will be directly accountable to Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the meeting, the cabinet was told that a total of 184,210 Pakistanis would perform Hajj this year. The application process will begin from 20 February, and 60 percent of the quota would be given to the government and the remaining to private operators.
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The cabinet was also informed that people of 80 years of age or above will be included in the program without having to enter a draw. This facility will also be available for those who have been unsuccessful in the draw for three consecutive years. The policy has reserved 10,000 seats for senior citizens.
Due to the currency devaluation, hajj expenses have increased significantly. This year, hajj expenses for the northern zone would be Rs. 436,975 and for the southern zone would be Rs. 427,975.
Last year, Hajjis from the northern zone paid Rs. 280,000 and from the southern zone Rs. 270,000. This is a 64 percent and 63 percent increase respectively.
Via: Geo
