Pakistan Times!

ISLAMABAD: Federal Ministry for Religious Affairs has forwarded the new Hajj policy to the Supreme Court. The apex court had directed the Religious Affairs Ministry to submit the new Hajj policy by August 31 while hearing of a case of Hajj operators. Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi told Geo News that the expenses of Hajj had registered increase. Last year a pilgrim had to pay 135,000 for going on a Hajj trip on government quota but this year the amount has surged to Rs200,000. He said the overall price hike has also resulted in the rise of total expenses of performing Hajj.

The official said that despite increase in oil prices, the PIA would charge fare ranging from Rs 85,000 to Rs 70,000 from different Pakistani cities. He said that the ministry has finalised all arrangements for accommodating 89,000 pilgrims and arrangements will be finalised soon for the rest of the pilgrims.

The SC would review the policy. The apex court had ordered the Religious Affairs ministry to present the Haj policy in the court till August 31 during hearing a case of Haj operators. The court would hear the case tomorrow with reference to haj quota. Advisor to Prime Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kamzi told Geo News that Haj expenses have been increased this year as compared to previous year.

The Haj pilgrims on government quota had paid the Rs.135, 000 last year, which has been increased to Rs. 200,000 this year. He said that the reason of increment in expenses is over all price hikes. Airfares have also been increased. Hamid Kazmi said that a medical mission comprised of 320 officials and 260 Haj Khuddam would accompany the Haj pilgrims.

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