No one would be eligible for a free or VIP Hajj, according to Senator Talha Mehmood, the minister for religious affairs and interfaith harmony.
Regardless of their status or place in society, he stated that all pilgrims would be required to stay with regular Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
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In response to a point of order raised by MNA Shagufta Jumani, the senator made this declaration.
The Minister emphasized that the government would not be providing free Hajj to anyone as the Ministry had to give up a quota of between 7,000 and 8,000 pilgrims in exchange for paying Saudi Arabia $24 million.
However, the Minister made the offer to house 200–400 intending pilgrims who are prepared to pay their fees.
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Additionally, Senator Talha Mehmood added that he had purchased a building for SAR 1,700 instead of SAR 2,600, which was the price charged for the Hajj 2019 pilgrimage. The Minister also disclosed his personal, cost-free trip to Saudi Arabia.
To ensure that all pilgrims are treated equally and given the same facilities and privileges during their spiritual journey, it has been decided to abolish free and VIP Hajj. This choice will assist in easing the financial strain on the government and increase access to Hajj for those who can afford to pay their dues.
