Minister of Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain has announced reimbursement ranging from RS20,000 to RS140,000 for pilgrims performing Hajj last year.

During a press conference on Tuesday, the minister said, “I want to share good news with the nation. We will refund money to all the pilgrims that performed Hajj last year. Refunds vary from RS20,000 to 140,000 and we will continue to provide the best facilities for Hajj this year.

He also emphasized that the Hajj package offered by Pakistan is the most affordable in the world.

The extra secretary of religious affairs provided additional details regarding refunds specifying that some pilgrims will receive up to RS140,000, while others will receive amounts as low as RS20,000.

Three percent of pilgrims will receive RS140,000, 23 percent will receive RS75,000, and 3,000 pilgrims will receive RS50,000. He added that if savings are also made in this year’s Hajj process, these will be repaid to pilgrims.

Hussain also stated that the number of applications for Hajj this year is almost identical to the number from last year.

While the short Hajj package was priced for RS1.075 million rupees last year, this year it will be RS1.05 million, making it the most affordable Hajj package in the world compared to the global rates and the current dollar exchange course.

The Minister also mentioned that the government’s Hajj quota has been completed and that no further applications will be accepted. However, facilities under difficulty quota remain available.

Hussain also praised the collaboration from Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj, Dr. Tawfiq al-Rabiah, noting that no other country has received such extensive support for Hajj events.