On the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has revised the Hajj 2020 expenses under the government scheme.
After a reduction of up to Rs. 34,000, the new Hajj package will cost Rs. 455,695 for the Southern region and Rs. 463,465 for the northern part.
Similarly, the total cost, including Qurbani, will come at Rs. 478,250 for Hajis of the southern region and Rs. 486,250 for the pilgrims from the northern part.
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Last week, the federal cabinet had approved the Hajj Policy 2020 with estimated charges as much Rs. 490,000, against the Religious Ministry’s proposal of keeping the expenses around Rs. 550,000.
Despite this reduction, Hajj 2020 was still Rs. 29,000 more expensive as compared to 2019.
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According to Noor ul Haq Qadri, the government is forced to increase the cost due to several factors, such as an increase in the airfare of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudi Airlines, depreciation of the rupee against US dollar, and additional arrangements in Mina and Makkah.
Out of a total of 179,000 Pakistanis, 107,000 will perform Hajj under the government scheme this year. Private agencies will facilitate the remaining pilgrims.