ISLAMABAD – The new Hajj Policy would be announced in third week of currentmonth after getting approval from the federal cabinet, said officialsources of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony here onWednesday.
Talking to APP, the sources said Draft Hajj Policy, prepared inconsultation with all stakeholders, has almost been finalized and likely tobe presented before the federal cabinet by second week of January.The applications for securing berth in Government Hajj Scheme would beinvited from the general public by last week of January 2019.This year over 184,210 Pakistanis would perform Hajj, the source saidadding that keeping in view increase in dollar-rupee parity ratio, Hajjexpenditures of government scheme are likely to increase from Rs40,000 toRs50,000.
According to Hajj agreement inked between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia lastyear, the immigration and other formalities of 35,000 intending Hujjajfrom Sindh will be completed at Karachi airport.The ministry was contemplating to retain the quota for government andprivate Hajj operators by 60:40 respectively, source said adding that theministry has proposed open sky policy for airlines to transport Hujjaj toSaudi Arabia. The Hajj dues of the applicants would be kept in ShariaComplaint remunerative accounts. Pakistanis will be given E-visas.
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Immigration of intending pilgrims would be conducted in Sindh at Karachiairport. Food facilities for pilgrims would be improved further. Hujjaj,who performed Hajj during last seven to ten years could be banned fromsubmitting applications. Pilgrims of over 75 years of age could be exemptedfrom participating in Hajj balloting.
