Govt Announces to Refund Partial Hajj Cost to Pilgrims

Newstoday: Pakistan Ministry of religious affairs and interfaith harmony has announced the refund of the amount of 55,000, which is Qurbani, to the regular and the sponsorship scheme pilgrims before their departure for the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Senator of Religious Affairs gave specific instructions for this decision. Pilgrims are advised to collect the funds from their respective banks before departing, as the cash will not be refunded after they arrive in Saudi Arabia. To simplify the purchase of vouchers, Saudi government-run Qurbani booths would be conveniently positioned near official housing. If there are any problems, pilgrims can immediately contact the ministry's accounts officer at 051-9208552.

Minister Mahmood said earlier this month that the Government would cover the cost of sacrificing animals for this year's Hajj. The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee is to blame for the surge in Hajj spending this year.