The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have reached an agreement regarding Hajj flights, a spokesperson for the ministry confirmed on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, the Pakistani government approved a new Hajj policy, allowing 179,210 Pakistanis to perform the pilgrimage next year through both government and private schemes.
According to the ministry spokesperson, PIA will provide travel services to 35,000 official pilgrims.
The spokesperson also noted that agreements with Saudi Airlines and other local carriers will be finalized soon. PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to offering the best services to Hajj pilgrims.
On Monday, Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain introduced an installment plan for pilgrims to pay their Hajj fees.
The cost for the government scheme next year is expected to range between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000, with an additional Rs55,000 for animal sacrifices during the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims will need to pay the first installment of Rs200,000 at the time of application, with a second installment of Rs400,000 due within ten days if they are selected in the balloting. The remaining balance is due by February 10 of next year.
