During his visit prime Minister Imran Khan had requested Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud to abolish the fee .
Ministry of Religious Affairs
It was shared on Tuesday by Religious Ministry with the Senate Committee about Pakistanis while performing Hajj and Umrah. While presiding the meeting, Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri complained the issues being faced by Pakistanis.
However, Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Muhammad Mushtaq said to media that Saudi Government has imposed tax on everyone who perform Hajj or Umrah in every two years and it is not discriminated towards Pakistan only. He also added that this fee was abolished on the request of Egypt and Turkey government.
It was requested by PM Imran Khan while took up the visit of Saudi Arabia and now it’s a matter a time when they notify the policy towards Pakistanis.
Hajj Policy 2019
It was also informed by Senate body that Ministry of Religious Affairs has exploring the option of having open sky policy to airlift passengers from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia through open airline tendering in Hajj Policy 2019.
The secretary said currently the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has allowed only four airlines including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Shaheen Airlines, Air Blue and Saudi Arabian Airlines to airlift the pilgrims going to perform Hajj.
The situation could improve through open airline tendering.
He said that due to restriction of CAA, the Ministry can’t go for open airline tendering right now.
