Senator Talha Mehmood, Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has confirmed that there would be no free or VIP Hajj for anybody.
He stated that all pilgrims, regardless of class or social standing, will be obliged to lodge with ordinary Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The Senator made the remark in response to MNA Shagufta Jumani’s point of order.
The Minister emphasized that the government would not be offering free Hajj to any individuals since the Ministry had to give up a quota of 7,000 to 8,000 pilgrims due to a $24 million payment to Saudi Arabia. However, the Minister offered to meet 200 to 400 aiming pilgrims who are willing to pay their dues.
In addition, Senator Talha Mehmood said that he had bought a building at a lesser fee of SAR 1,700, as compared to the Hajj 2019 pricing of SAR 2,600. The Minister further admitted that he personally visited Saudi Arabia at his own expense.
The decision to remove free and VIP Hajj has been decided to guarantee that all pilgrims are treated fairly and given the same amenities and privileges throughout their spiritual trip. This decision will help to reduce the government’s financial burden while also making Hajj more available to those who can afford to pay their dues.
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