Hajj 2008 Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, May 25 2008 (APP): Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Vakil Ahmed Khan has said that there would not be any balloting to select pilgrims under government scheme this year. The applications would be invited through designated branches of banks on first come first serve basis, he said in an interview.
He informed that the banks are likely to start receiving applications for Hajj-2008 under government scheme from the second week of next month.
About cost of the Hajj, he said the expenses would be high this year owing to lowering rupee value, high rent of buildings in Saudi Arabia and increasing fares of airlines.
“The rupee is going down against dollar and riyal while airfares have been increased by airlines due to escalating petroleum prices in the international market,” he added.
He pointed out that last year, PIA charged Rs.46,000 per person as airfare when the per barrel cost of crude oil was at $ 70.
“The price of crude oil is likely to touch $ 150 per barrel at the time when pilgrims start leaving for Hajj,” he added.
Vakil Ahmed Khan said about 1,800 buildings have been demolished around the Haram in Shamia and Ghaza areas of Makkah Al Mukarrama and as a result the rent of buildings has gone up considerably.
The Secretary, informed that the Ministry has so far arranged buildings to accommodate 25,000 pilgrims.
“We are obtaining more buildings as early as possible to house all pilgrims to be sent under government scheme,” he added.
He said it would not be possible this year to accommodate all pilgrims within 1000 meters around Haram.
About quota, he said that about 165,000 Pakistani pilgrims would perform Hajj this year.
Regarding complaints against private Hajj tour operators, he said,”We have received 73 complaints against 53 private Hajj tour operators after conclusion of last Hajj.”
He said the complaints are being scrutinized and assured that strict action would be taken in case of any serious grievance.
As many as 595 private Hajj organizers were selected by the Ministry to send pilgrims under the private scheme.
He said a monitoring team comprising 40 officials selected from different ministries and organizations was deployed to address complaints and problems faced by the pilgrims.
About sending pilgrims by sea, he said, “We are still examining this possibility and if approved by the Cabinet, tenders will be invited from international firms to ferry our pilgrims through ships.”
He, however, assured the matter will be discussed with Saudi officials because the duration of Hajj for the pilgrims travelling through ships will increase.
When asked about allocation of space in Mina, he said, “We have requested the Moassasah South Asia to allocate appropriate space to the Pakistani pilgrims in Mina and also impressed upon them to play a role in collaboration with the Saudi Government to persuade the owners of buildings in fixing a justifiable rent.”
Conclusion, this year Hajj will be much more expensive as compared to previous.