The Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhary Salik Hussain, announced in the National Assembly on Thursday that each Hajj pilgrim is expected to receive a refund of Rs 100,000. This refund is part of an ongoing recount being conducted by the ministry, according to a report by ARY News.
While answering supplementary questions during the Question Hour, the minister provided further details about this year’s Hajj costs. He pointed out that the overall expense for performing Hajj this year was Rs 100,000 less than the previous year, providing significant financial relief to pilgrims.
In addition to the lower Hajj cost, each pilgrim also benefited from a reduction in airfare, saving around Rs 35,000.Minister Hussain explained that these reductions were part of the government’s efforts to make the pilgrimage more affordable and accessible for people.
By cutting down on expenses, the ministry aimed to ease the financial burden on those performing Hajj this year.Furthermore, the minister addressed the selection process for Moavineen-e-Hujjaj, the individuals who assist and guide pilgrims during Hajj. Normally, around 1,400 Moavineen-e-Hujjaj are chosen, but for Hajj 2024, only 600 were selected.
These individuals were chosen based on the results of the National Testing Service (NTS) test, which is designed to ensure that the most qualified and capable individuals are selected to serve the pilgrims.Overall, the minister’s remarks highlight the government’s commitment to making Hajj more affordable and ensuring that the best possible support is provided to pilgrims through a transparent and efficient selection process.
