Private tour operators’ claims about low-priced Hajj are false: Noorul Haq Qadri

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Dr Noorul Haq Qadri has said that private tour operators’ claims about low-cost Hajj package are false, warning the people not to be lured by them. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, he said that the government was striving hard to provide best facilities to Pakistani intending pilgrims. He said that Saudi authorities have agreed to include Pakistan into their road to Makkah project to complete immigration procedure at Karachi and Lahore airports. “The government is trying to extend the immigration facility to Peshawar and Islamabad as well.” The minister said that Saudi Hajj authorities are also working out on Pakistan's demand of providing e-visa facility to Pakistan's pilgrims. He said that this time direct flights will be operated from Quetta to Madina and Jeddah. “Fresh meal of Pakistani taste will be served to pilgrims during their stay at Mashair.” Dr Noorul Haq Qadri said a temporary Haji camp will be established at Gilgit for the facilitation of intending pilgrims from Gilgit-Baltistan and mobile biometric verification will be done in far-flung areas of the country. The minister said that the social media will be used to guide and train intending pilgrims. Shedding light on reasons behind raise in Hajj package under government scheme, Dr Noorul Haq Qadri said an increase in currency exchange rate, Saudi taxes and train fare during Mashair and higher air fare and buildings' rent have caused rise in cost. The minister said that the cost of government Hajj scheme in terms of dollar is still the lowest among regional countries in terms of dollar.