Govt aims to keep Hajj costs under Rs1.1 million this year

The Secretary for Religious Affairs shared details about this year's Hajj expenses under the government scheme during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs.

The Secretary for Religious Affairs stated that the government has a quota for 5,000 pilgrims, with more applications to be accepted soon.

Committee Chairman Amir Dogar acknowledged improvements in Hajj arrangements, emphasising that private Hajj companies remain an integral part of the ministry.

During the meeting, the Secretary mentioned that efforts are underway to keep Hajj expenses below Rs1.1 million. 

He also mentioned that each pilgrim's mattress would be allotted specific number in Mina.

Last year, the ministry received 764 complaints against 218 private companies regarding Hajj operations.

Representatives from private Hajj operators attended the meeting, where it was revealed that over 900 operators are currently active.

The private sector has been involved in Hajj operations for over two decades. However, the ministry urged private operators to reduce their package rates.

Private Hajj operators argued that other countries’ missions sign long-term agreements with Saudi authorities, which allows for better cost management. They requested permission to negotiate similar agreements to bring their rates down.

The Saudi government, they added, suggested that the quota for each operator should be 2,000 pilgrims.

 The ministry responded, stating that Saudi authorities asked to raise the quota to 3,000 pilgrims per operator, which has temporarily been put on hold. 

Next year, this quota is expected to increase to 2,500, eventually reaching 3,000.

The Secretary further explained that a policy is being developed in line with Saudi guidelines, with plans to abolish the quota system gradually.

He clarified that the ministry is not shutting down any businesses but expressed concerns private operators selling packages to pilgrims at exorbitant rates.