Federal cabinet approves Hajj Policy 2019

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The federal cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy 2019 during a meeting on Thursday. Prime Minister Imran Khan presided over the meeting. He directed the officials that the pilgrim should not face any problem. Over 184,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj this year. According to decisions made during the meeting, 60 percent Hajj quota will be allocated for official tour operators, while private tour operators will get 40 percent. Intending pilgrims over 80 years will perform Hajj without balloting. The Hajj expenditures have been increased by Rs 157,000. It will cost Rs 436,000 in Northern Pakistan, while the cost in Southern Pakistan will be Rs 426,000. In 2018, Hajj expenditures were Rs 280,000. The Ministry for Religious Affairs had proposed a subsidy of Rs 42,000 per pilgrim, which was rejected by the federal cabinet. The Council of Islamic Ideology had declared the subsidy as legal. The cabinet also approved relaxation in the visa policy. The meeting briefed the members that visa conditions for over 190 countries are being relaxed. “The visa policy will be announced soon,” he said. The meeting also discussed the 20-point agenda, including approval of the appointment of the heads of several institutions. It also discussed the anti-drug policy and Pakistan visa policy. The cabinet approved additional technical grant for the Prime Minister s Youth Training Scheme and an agreement for the promotion of sports between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The National Anti-Narcotics Policy 2018 was also discussed. The cabinet also decided on transfer of Karachi Infrastructure Development Company from Communications Ministry to the Cabinet Division.