Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are expected to save thousands of rupees on travel costs, thanks to a substantial fund established by Saudi travel and hospitality firms.
Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf praised the initiative, noting that the $40 million fund—equivalent to Rs. 15 billion—will help lower expenses for pilgrims by up to Rs. 50,000.
Speaking at a ceremony, the minister also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has dismissed the initial investigation report concerning the absence of 63,000 Hajj pilgrims, and a new committee has been formed to look into the matter.
To foster religious unity, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf announced that a prayer calendar will soon be released in Islamabad. He also shared plans to organize group travel for pilgrims visiting Iran, Iraq, and Syria, similar to the arrangements for Hajj and Umrah.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Shia Ulema Council, the minister highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain peace and promote religious harmony in the country.
