Pakistan Announces New Hajj Policy For Its Pilgrims
Pakistan will announce new Hajj policy-2006 mid-May, Religious Affairs Ijazul Haq says.
Efforts are being made to increase further the Hajj quota for Pakistan by
10,000, Haq told the reporters. He said that last year Hajj quota was enhanced from 110, 000 to 150, 000.
The minister said $6 million have been provided for hiring of buildings to ensure better accommodation for the pilgrims.
Drawing a comparison between private tour operators and government arrangement, Haq said performing Hajj through government arrangement is cheaper.
About reservations and suggestions of private operators, the minister said that no reduction in the private quota was being made, rather an increase is being considered.
Consideration would also be made for issuance of three-year license to the private operators, Haq said and added that reduction in air fares for children would be discussed with Pakistan International Airlines and other airlines.
He said that interaction would be made with the Saudi government to provide the facility of opening a bank account in Saudi Riyal for private Hajj groups.