ISLAMABAD - The federal government is likely to reduce Hajj expenses by Rs. 60,000 when it introduces a Hajj package on Tuesday.
As per an official source, the Minister for Religious Affairs, Noor ul Haq Qadri, will present the draft proposal to the federal cabinet for approval. He has proposed to lower the Hajj expenses by Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000. Despite the cut, the overall Hajj package will be more expensive than the last year, the source added. ------------------------------
After getting a nod from the cabinet, the ministry for religious affairs will announce the Hajj 2020 policy.
Note that the federal cabinet is expected to meet on Tuesday with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair. It will review various matters of critical importance, including a reduction in prices of essential commodities, Hajj package, and a probe against artificial inflation.
It should be mentioned here that officials of the ministry, on January 23, have admitted before a Senate panel that this year’s Hajj package is going to cost Rs. 115,000 more than last year. ------------------------------
The secretary for religious affairs ministry had informed the Upper House that rupee depreciation and airfare hike has forced the government to increase the Hajj cost.
He informed the Senate Committee that this year, around 179,000 people will perform pilgrimage under the government’s Hajj scheme.