According to media reports Hajj Packages for the current year 2019 are more expensive in Pakistan than previous years.
It is expected that the new Hajj prices will be Rs. 420,000/person and if government secures a subsidy of Rs. 40,000 per person than still the total charges of Rs. 380,000 will be far greater than Rs. 280,000 of previous years.
Ministry Of Religious Affairs has requested the government for the subsidy approval after which the Hajj Policy of 2019 will be revealed.
It is expected that on Thursday the Hajj Policy will be approved by cabinet after which Hajj Applications will be accepted from January 20, 2019.
If submission of Hajj application starts from this expected date then the last date for Hajj form submission will be Feb 20, 2019.
The increase of Rs. 100,000 in the Hajj charges is being attributed to the new taxes which were levied by the government of Saudi Arabia and the continuous devaluation of Pakistan Rupees against dollar.
Also Read: Hajj Operation Pakistan: Corruption & Irregularities?
Pakistani currency has devalued by Rs. 29 since the last Hajj policy which has significantly increased the cost of pilgrimage. It is expected that Private Hajj and Umrah travel agencies will also increase the rates for 2019.
After the increase of quota 184,000 Pakistani pilgrims will perform the religious obligation which includes visit to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina.