The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has made an important announcement regarding the refund of Qurbani amount to intending Hajj pilgrims. This decision aims to provide financial relief to the pilgrims and facilitate their journey to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
Reimbursement of Qurbani Amount
The ministry is taking proactive measures to ensure that the Qurbani amount is reimbursed to both regular and sponsorship scheme pilgrims. This step is being taken under the special instructions of Religious Affairs Minister, Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood. The refund amount is set at Rs 55,000.
Collecting Reimbursement
Pilgrims who fall under the regular and sponsorship schemes are advised to collect the refunded amount of Rs 55,000 from their respective banks before their departure for Hajj. It is important to note that the amount will not be reimbursed to them in Saudi Arabia. To ease the process of purchasing the required coupons, the Saudi government will set up Qurbani booths near government residences, providing a hassle-free experience for the pilgrims.
Complaint Lodging
In case pilgrims encounter any issues or difficulties in acquiring the Qurbani amount, they can lodge a complaint directly with the accounts officer of the ministry. The designated contact number for complaints is 0519208552.
Government Bearing Expenses
In a recent announcement, Minister for Religious Affairs Senator Talha Mahmood stated that the federal government will cover the expenses of sacrificial animals during Hajj this year. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on the pilgrims and enable them to perform their religious obligations without any additional financial strain.
Quota and Sponsorship Scheme
Pakistan's quota for Hajj 2023 is set at 179,210 pilgrims. It is important to highlight that 50% of the quota has been reserved for the Sponsorship Scheme. This scheme offers a special facility to Hajj pilgrims who seek foreign exchange from abroad through the specific dollar account of the religious affairs ministry.
Increased Hajj Expenses
This year, the government has set the expenses for Hajj at Rs 1.175 million per pilgrim, marking a 68% increase compared to the previous year. The significant rise in expenses has become a concern for many Muslims, as they face the challenges of skyrocketing inflation. Despite the financial obstacles, performing Hajj remains a deeply cherished spiritual journey for Muslims around the world.
Pre-Hajj Operation by PIA
The national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has announced its pre-Hajj operation schedule. The operation will commence on May 21 and continue until August 12. During this period, PIA will facilitate the transportation of 38,000 pilgrims to the Holy land. The pre-Hajj operation spans from the 1st Zilqad to the 4th Zilhajj, 1444, corresponding to the Gregorian dates of May 21 to June 22, 2023 (subject to moon sighting), as outlined in the PIA Hajj circular.
Saudi Arabia Welcoming Pilgrims
This year, Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome a large number of pilgrims after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. It is anticipated that around 2.3 million people will participate in Hajj. This is a significant increase from the previous year when approximately one million people were able to join the Hajj season. The eligibility criteria for visiting the kingdom during Hajj included being fully vaccinated or immunized against the virus and not suffering from chronic diseases.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony's decision to refund the Qurbani amount to intending Hajj pilgrims is a commendable step towards facilitating their journey. This initiative, combined with the government's support in bearing the expenses of sacrificial animals, aims to alleviate financial burdens and enable more Muslims to fulfill their Hajj obligations.
Despite the increased expenses and the challenges posed by inflation, the spiritual significance of Hajj remains paramount for Muslims worldwide
