Hajj applications can be submitted from March 16 to March 31, 2023, Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor announced on Friday.
In a news conference where he unveiled the Hajj Policy 2023, he said that applications may be made at 14 specific banks around the country.
According to the minister, pilgrims in the northern region of Pakistan must pay Rs1.175 million for the Hajj, while those in the southern part must pay Rs1.165 million.
“The Hajj cost for Pakistan is below India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. On our request, the government of Saudi Arabia has reduced the cost of Hajj for Pakistan,” he said. “Moreover, the Ministry of Finance has pledged an amount of $90 million to facilitate Hajj.”
“The price of Hajj has risen due to rupee devaluation,” the minister said. “Pakistan’s quota for Hajj 2023 is 179,210 pilgrims.”
According to him, pilgrims can avail train service in Mina and Muzdalifah.
He added that the government was making efforts to provide all possible facilities to pilgrims.
Only necessary expenses are added to Hajj price, he said.
Moreover, Pakistan International Airlines is also expected to commence Hajj operations shortly.
