Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhary Salik Hussain informed the National Assembly on Thursday that each Hajj pilgrim is expected to receive a refund of Rs 100,000 as the ministry continues its recounting process.
Addressing supplementary questions during the Question Hour, the minister noted that the cost of Hajj this year has decreased by Rs 100,000 compared to the previous year.
Additionally, every pilgrim benefited from a Rs 35,000 reduction in airfare this year.
The minister also clarified that, contrary to previous plans, only 600 Moavineen-e-Hujjaj were selected for Hajj 2024 through an NTS test, instead of the originally planned 1,400.
Regarding the Sikh pilgrimage, the minister reported a decline in the number of Sikh pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Corridor due to restrictions imposed by India. He emphasized that there are no barriers from Pakistan’s side, and the infrastructure at the Kartarpur Corridor is equipped to handle up to 5,000 Sikh pilgrims daily.
The ministry ensures comprehensive arrangements, including transportation and security, to facilitate Sikh Yatrees during Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary each year.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, sees millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform this sacred pilgrimage annually.