There will be no free or VIP Hajj for anyone, according to Senator Talha Mehmood, the minister of religious affairs and interfaith harmony.
All pilgrims, irrespective of their status or place in society, he said, would be obligated to remain with regular Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Following a point of order put forth by MNA Shagufta Jumani, the senator made this declaration.
The Minister made it clear that no one would receive a free Hajj from the government because the Ministry had to give up a quota of 7,000 to 8,000 pilgrims in exchange for paying Saudi Arabia $24 million.
However, the Minister made the offer to house 200–400 intending pilgrims who are prepared to pay their fees.
Additionally, Senator Talha Mehmood added that he had purchased a building for SAR 1,700 instead of SAR 2,600, which was the price charged for the Hajj 2019 pilgrimage. The Minister additionally disclosed that he traveled to Saudi Arabia on his own dime.
The decision to eliminate free and VIP Hajj was made to guarantee that all pilgrims receive the same treatment, accommodations, and privileges throughout their religious journey. The government’s financial burden will be lessened as a result of this choice, and more people who are capable of paying the required fees will be able to participate in the Hajj.
