Pakistani pilgrims to pay over Rs 1 million for Hajj 2024. Under Pakistan’s government scheme, the cost of the Hajj trip in 2024 is expected to be around Rs1.1 million per pilgrim.
This fee is detailed in the draught Hajj Policy 2024, which is presently being reviewed by the federal cabinet for approval, and sources familiar with the topic reveal that this amount will cover expenses, and separate rooms will be offered for single-family pilgrims.
The official announcement of the fee will be made after the Hajj Policy 2024 is adopted, but individuals involved with the matter believe that the cost will be around Rs 1.1 million under the government system, with private tour operators paying more.
Pakistan is also anticipated to maintain the Sponsorship Scheme, which eliminates the need for balloting among aspiring Hajj pilgrims.
The government is also planning to develop a short-term Hajj package lasting 20 to 25 days for the 2019 Hajj.
Also read: Pakistan unveils Hajj policy for 2024
Aneeq Ahmed, the Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, had stated that the Saudi government is dedicated to improving facilities and services for Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj 2024.
The parliamentarians also examined the ramifications of cutting the number of Pakistani Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) from 905 to 46 a few days ago.
During the discussion, it was disclosed that a letter had been written to the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry, requesting a delay in the current year’s drop and suggesting a progressive decrease in the following years.
As Pakistani pilgrims to pay over Rs 1 million for Hajj 2024, despite ongoing conversations, it was stated that the Saudi authorities may not budge from their decision, directing the religious affairs ministry to prepare for the 2018 Hajj accordingly.
It is worth noting that Saudi officials have also approved the ‘Road to Makkah’ project from Lahore and Karachi airports, with the possibility of expanding it to Peshawar and Quetta airports.
The ‘Road to Makkah’ programme is part of Saudi Arabia’s Guests of God Service Programme, which was launched in 2019 by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud as part of Saudi Vision 2030. Every year, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, and Bangladesh renegotiate their agreements.
According to the programme, Hajj pilgrims are offered visas and other services such as baggage facilities at airports in their respective nations.
Not only that, but pilgrims are transferred directly to buses that will transport them to their homes in Makkah and Madina, while their luggage is brought to them; this relieves pilgrims from many headaches upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
