*ISLAMABAD - The expenditures for Hajj 2019 under government scheme has been revealed.*
*Pakistani Hujjaj may be required to pay up to Rs 420,000 in the year 2019 for Hajj on government scheme.*
*T*he government was trying to secure a subsidy of up to Rs 40,000 per person on Hajj expenses, which if approved, will cap the costs at Rs 380,000.
However, since the amount of subsidy has not been finalised yet, those wishing to undertake the holy journey are expected to pay Rs 420,000 per person.
In 2018, the Hajj expenses for northern and southern regions of Pakistan were Rs. 280,000 and Rs. 270,000 respectively, whereas Rs. 13,050 were separately charged for the animal sacrifice.
Sources say the hike in Hajj rates is rooted in increased taxation by the Saudi government and a depreciation in the Pakistani rupee’s value against the dollar by as much as 29 rupees since December 28, 2017, when last year’s Hajj policy was announced.
After the cabinet’s approval, applications for Hajj on government scheme will be received from January 20 till February 20.
In December 2018, Saudi Arabia had increased quota of Pakistani pilgrims for 2019’s Hajj by 5,000.
Under the arrangement, more than 184,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj from Pakistan in 2019.