[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Islamabad – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has swiftly responded to the needs of Umrah pilgrims by reducing fares by up to Rs6,000.
These reduced rates, effective immediately, will be applicable to journeys from major Pakistani cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, Multan, and Faisalabad to Jeddah.
According to the information provided, travelers departing from Karachi and Quetta will now pay Rs79,000, while those from other cities will incur a cost of Rs87,000, excluding taxes, as reported by Samaa.
This move is a relief for Pakistani pilgrims facing financial challenges, and PIA expects an increase in passenger numbers and revenue as a result of this decision.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated announcement of the Hajj Policy for 2024 has experienced an unexpected delay, attributed to ongoing efforts to reduce Hajj package costs.
The federal government is also allowing a more flexible 20 to 25-day Hajj package this year to accommodate a wider range of pilgrims.
Previously, it was unofficially reported that the cost for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage would be slightly above Rs. 1 million, and the government would maintain the Sponsorship scheme, eliminating the need for balloting.
The Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed, had previously confirmed that the Saudi Arabian government is committed to enhancing facilities and services for Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj 2024.
Read more : Saudi Arabia Releases Hajj 2024 Flight Timetable
A few days ago, lawmakers also discussed the repercussions of reducing the number of Pakistani Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) from 905 to only 46.
During the meeting, it was revealed that a letter had been sent to the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry, requesting a delay in the reduction for the current year and suggesting a gradual decrease in the upcoming years.
Despite the negotiations underway in this regard, it was emphasized that the Saudi authorities might not change their decision, advising the religious affairs ministry to prepare for the upcoming Hajj accordingly.
It’s worth noting that Saudi authorities have also approved the ‘Road to Makkah’ project from Lahore and Karachi airports, with proposals for its expansion to airports in Peshawar and Quetta.
The ‘Road to Makkah’ initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Guests of God Service Program, inaugurated by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in 2019 under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The agreement is renewed every year with countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, and Bangladesh.
Under this initiative, Hajj pilgrims are issued visas and provided with various services at their respective countries’ airports, including baggage facilities. Pilgrims are transported directly to buses that take them to their accommodations in Makkah and Madina, with their luggage delivered to them. This program reduces the hassles faced by pilgrims upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
