Hajj and Umrah Costs Expected to Decrease for Pakistani Pilgrims

Riyadh: In a significant development for religious travelers, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Religious Affairs has commended Saudi travel and hospitality companies for launching a $40 million fund aimed at reducing Hajj and Umrah expenses for Pakistani pilgrims.
Speaking at a ceremony, the minister announced that this initiative could lead to a reduction of up to PKR 50,000 per person in Hajj costs, providing much-needed financial relief to thousands of Pakistani pilgrims. The total fund, equivalent to approximately PKR 15 billion, is expected to greatly enhance the affordability and quality of services for Hajj and Umrah travelers.
In addition, the minister revealed that a new prayer calendar system will soon be introduced in Islamabad to promote religious harmony and better organization of worship times.
He also stated that pilgrimage arrangements to Iran, Iraq, and Syria will now be unified and managed in a manner similar to the Hajj and Umrah system, ensuring consistency and improved support for Pakistani Zaireen.
During a separate meeting with a delegation from the Shia Ulema Council, both sides agreed to work together to promote peace and interfaith harmony across the country, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen religious unity.