*ISLAMABAD – The expenditures for Hajj 2019 under government scheme hasbeen revealed.*
*Pakistani Hujjaj may be required to pay up to Rs 420,000 in the year 2019for Hajj on government scheme.*
*T*he government was trying to secure a subsidy of up to Rs 40,000 perperson on Hajj expenses, which if approved, will cap the costs at Rs380,000.
However, since the amount of subsidy has not been finalised yet, thosewishing to undertake the holy journey are expected to pay Rs 420,000 perperson.
In 2018, the Hajj expenses for northern and southern regions of Pakistanwere Rs. 280,000 and Rs. 270,000 respectively, whereas Rs. 13,050 wereseparately charged for the animal sacrifice.
Sources say the hike in Hajj rates is rooted in increased taxation by theSaudi government and a depreciation in the Pakistani rupee’s value againstthe dollar by as much as 29 rupees since December 28, 2017, when lastyear’s Hajj policy was announced.
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After the cabinet’s approval, applications for Hajj on government schemewill be received from January 20 till February 20.
In December 2018, Saudi Arabia had increased quota of Pakistani pilgrimsfor 2019’s Hajj by 5,000.
Under the arrangement, more than 184,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj fromPakistan in 2019.
