ISLAMABAD: Around 179,210 pilgrims across Pakistan will perform Hajj this year, per the Hajj policy 2023.
The estimated cost for Hajj for the northern region includes Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sialkot Rs1, 175,000 while it will cost Rs1, 165,000 for the southern region.
According to the details, the estimated cost for the northern region under the sponsorship Hajj scheme is $4,325 and $4,285 for the southern region. Moreover, to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, this year, the government has introduced a sponsorship Hajj scheme for them, and under this scheme, the Ministry of religious affairs hopes to receive $194 million.
The opening date for receiving the Hajj applications is March 16, while the deadline will be March 31, and the Hajj draw will be conducted in the first week of April. The national quota for this year’s Hajj is 179,210 pilgrims, distributed among government and private sectors with a proportion of 50-50.
PIA unveils Hajj-2023 fares
On March 4, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced that its pre-Hajj operation will start on May 21 and continue till August 12, which will lift 38,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
“Pre Hajj operation would start from 1st Zilqad till 4th Zilhajj, 1444 corresponding to Gregorian date May 21 till June 22, 2023 (As per the sighting of the moon),” PIA Hajj circular.
PIA has decided to charge fares in US dollars for the second year. Under the private Hajj scheme, it has fixed the fares for pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia are from $870 to $1180 for the Southern region, including Quetta, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Karachi.
However, the airfares for the pilgrims from the northern region were in the range of $910 to $1,220. The northern sector includes Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and other cities.
