ISLAMABAD: Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of Cabinet approved Hajj Policy 2023, agreeing to provide foreign exchange cover of $ 90 million for Hajj operations. A summary to this effect was presented by Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony before Cabinet committee, meeting of which was chaired by Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.

As per policy, Hajj quota allocated to Pakistan for this year is 179,210, which would be distributed between government and private Hajj schemes at ratio of 50:50, according to press statement issued by Finance Ministry.

Out of government and private hajj schemes, quota of 50 percent each would be reserved for ‘Sponsorship Scheme’, it said. For year 2023, tentative Hajj package for northern region is Rs 1,175,000 and for south region is Rs 1,165,000.

Owing to economic constraints, government has decided to give half of Hajj quota of its citizens to Pakistanis living abroad move aimed at saving outflow of around $ 400 million.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 07 2023

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