Govt announces reduction in Haj expenses

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain has announced a significant reduction in the cost of Haj packages under the Government’s Regular Scheme. The cost has been reduced by Rs25,000 and Rs50,000. Additionally, pilgrims who performed Haj last year will receive refunds ranging from Rs20,000 to Rs140,000.

Addressing a press conference, Salik Hussain said that the cost of the 40-day-long Haj package has been reduced by Rs25,000, bringing the total to Rs1,050,000. Pilgrims opting for this package will need to pay a third instalment of Rs450,000. Similarly, the 25-day short Haj package has been further reduced by Rs50,000, setting the new price at Rs1,100,000. The third instalment for this package will be Rs500,000 in addition to the already deposited Rs600,000 in the first two instalments.

He said all pilgrims are required to submit their third instalment at the designated banks between February 6 to 14. The ministry has ensured that every pilgrim will receive a notification regarding their payment status through the ‘Pak Haj’ mobile application, he added. Salik Hussain also announced that Rs4.75 billion would be refunded to the pilgrims.

He said the refunds have been categorized into seven different groups, based on factors such as accommodation in Mina, lodging in Makkah, and Maktab allocation. Additionally, savings from Qurbani refunds and airfare reductions are also being passed on to the pilgrims. Giving details of refund, the minister said that 14 percent pilgrims (9,588 pilgrims) will receive Rs20,000, five percent (3,358 pilgrims) will receive Rs35,000, 19 percent (12,981 pilgrims) will receive Rs50,000, 23 percent (16,037 pilgrims) will receive Rs75,000, 26 percent (17,828 pilgrims) will receive Rs90,000, 10 percent (6,784 individuals) will receive Rs110,000, and three percent (2,228 pilgrims) will receive Rs140,000. The refunds will be transferred through the designated bank branches. The minister said that the transfer of funds to nominated banks will commence within the next two days, ensuring timely financial relief for the pilgrims. Meanwhile, Chaudhry Salik Hussain said the government was ready to provide all possible support for modern education in Madaris. Speaking to the media during his visit to Jamia Muhammadia, the minister for religious affairs, emphasized the importance of organizing courses to enable students to receive training in various professions alongside their religious education. He said that the educational and examination system of Wafaq-ul-Madaris is aligned with international standards and serves as a role model for educational institutions. He highlighted that seminaries, mosques, and scholars have played a fundamental role in the promotion and spread of Islam.

The minister said Madaris are among the largest global NGOs providing not only free education and training to millions of students but also offering them accommodation, food and medical facilities.