Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Hajj expenses are estimated to cost more than Rs 1 million under the government scheme this year, said official sources.
The resources ruled out the possibility of inexpensive Hajj due to the “global economic recession, burgeoning inflation and depreciation of Pakistani rupees in the international market.”
Sources further said there were no chances of “Hajj subsidy” by the government this year.
The sources said the announcement of the Hajj Policy, 2023, was expected to be tabled by the end of February. The Ministry of Religious Affairs was planning for the early agreement with the scheduled banks to receive the Hajj applications.
Documents required for Hajj applicants
They said that the pilgrim and their computerized national identity card would be required along with Hajj applications, a passport, three photographs, a Corona vaccination certificate, and the pilgrim.
Sources said the bank account was mandatory for all the Hajj aspirants. They added that Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on pilgrims over 65 years of age.
For this purpose, sources said, the Religious Affars’ ministry had intensified communication with Saudi authorities, airlines, banks, and other stakeholders for the smooth sailing of the Hajj operation. – APP
