In a significant development for religious travelers, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and travel sector has introduced a $40 million subsidy fund to support Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, offering major financial relief. The initiative is expected to lower travel-related expenses by up to Rs. 50,000 per pilgrim, easing the financial burden for thousands from countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, applauded the step, calling it a landmark moment for making sacred journeys more affordable. The fund, amounting to over Rs. 15 billion, is likely to benefit tens of thousands of pilgrims annually.
During a public event, Minister Yousuf also addressed concerns surrounding the 63,000 unaccounted pilgrims, stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has discarded the initial investigation report. A new inquiry committee has been formed to probe the situation more transparently.
Additionally, the government plans to promote religious harmony and accessibility by launching a unified prayer calendar in Islamabad. Minister Yousuf also revealed future plans to streamline group pilgrimages to Iran, Iraq, and Syria, replicating the existing infrastructure for Hajj and Umrah.
In his meeting with the Shia Ulema Council, the minister emphasized the importance of inter-sect unity, pledging government efforts to ensure peace and inclusivity in all future religious programs.
