*ISLAMABAD – **Pakistani Hajj Pilgrims face a big blow for upcoming Hajjexpenditures. *
*Performing the religious pilgrimage of Hajj has become even more expensivefor the common man in Pakistan, as this year’s Hajj package will costRs115,000 more.*
The Ministry of Religious Affairs secretary informed the Standing Committeeon Religious Affairs on Thursday, that this time the Hajj pilgrimage willcost Rs550,000 citing depreciation in the value of Pakistani Rupee and theincrease in fares leading to increase in cost.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haidari, expressed hisdisappointment at the absence of Minister for Religious Affairs at themeeting and directed to ensure the minister attendance at the next meeting.
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The Standing Committee was told that the North Region’s Hajj package is nowincreased to Rs550,000 whereas the South Region’s Hajj package is priced atRs545,000. The Ministry of Religious Affairs said the increase was due to adecrease in the value of rupees and increase in the fares of airlines.
The committee adjourned the meeting due to the minister’s absence.
