The national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), announced fares for Hajj 2023 on Saturday.
The PIA spokesperson said that the fare for pilgrims performing a private Hajj had been set at between $870 and $1,180.
This fare will be available to pilgrims traveling from the southern Pakistani cities of Hyderabad, Karachi, Quetta, and Sukkur.
The ticket price will range from $910 to $1,220 for pilgrims traveling from northern Pakistan, including Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, and other places.
For pilgrims traveling within the allowed number for the Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is expected to release travel expenses.
From May 21 to August 2, the national airline will continue to operate Hajj flights, carrying more than 38,000 pilgrims.
With Saudi Airlines and two private planes that fly from the remainder of Pakistan, about 44,000 pilgrims will go to the Hijaz. With regard to its Hajj flight operations to Jeddah and Madina, PIA will deploy Boeing 777 and Airbus 320.
IHC rejects plea of female candidate for Hajj DG slot
According to a decision made last week by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Religious Harmony, pilgrims who pay their fees in US dollars will receive a special 25% allotment under the government’s Hajj Plan and will not be subject to vote under the new Hajj regulations.
According to the ministry, the ‘Sponsorship Program’, which was implemented in response to the country’s continuing foreign exchange crisis, will help approximately 22,400 pilgrims.
Also, it has boosted the Hajj quota for private operators from 40% to 50%, with potential room for growth.
According to the government programme, the ministry anticipates charging each pilgrim Rs1.1 million, but costs could increase to Rs1.3 million in the event that the rupee continues to depreciate.
Due to the lack of foreign cash, the Ministry of Finance stated that it would be impossible to get $2 billion for the Hajj. Sources claim that the Saudi government is also raising the Hajj tax by 18–20%.
