Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, announced on Wednesday that the government’s timely steps might drastically lower next year’s Hajj expenses by up to 50%.
Addressing the Pakistan Citizens Forum’s event here in Islamabad Club to thank him for his unwavering efforts to provide pilgrims with ease and comfort throughout their spiritual journey, the minister emphasised the importance of providing affordable Hajj during inflationary times, calling it a vital service to pilgrims.
Senator Talha Mahmood extended his gratitude on this occasion for the praiseworthy services provided by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in enabling this year’s Hajj arrangements.
Former Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, who served as the guest of honor, graced the occasion. The event was also attended by Professor Sajjad Qamar, President of Pakistan Citizens Forum, and Secretary Mohsin Khan Abbasi.
Senator Talha thanked the Pakistan Citizens Forum and emphasised the importance of spreading positive sentiments throughout society, according to the state news agency. He emphasized his unwavering efforts to improve pilgrim facilities during his two-month tenure.
The minister promised the recovery of excess funds from pilgrimage expenditures and offered the distribution of free medicines worth millions of rupees through pharmaceutical collaboration.
He attributed this year’s Hajj’s success to the exceptional arrangements made by the Saudi Arabian government, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, which were widely praised.
Senator Talha’s dedication to pilgrim service was clear as he described his experience of spending time with ordinary pilgrims without protocol, patiently resolving their grievances.
He reaffirmed that no one was given a free Hajj, and steps were taken to eliminate the practise of authorities mismanaging pilgrims’ monies.
