There will be no free or VIP Hajj for anyone, according to Senator Talha Mehmood, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

No of their social standing or rank, he claimed, all pilgrims would be obliged to stay in Saudi Arabia alongside other Hajj pilgrims.

In answer to MNA Shagufta Jumani’s point of order, the senator made this declaration.

The Minister made it clear that no one will receive a free Hajj from the government because the Ministry had to give up a quota of 7,000 to 8,000 pilgrims in exchange for paying Saudi Arabia $24 million.

The Minister did, however, promise to house 200 to 400 intended pilgrims who are prepared to pay their fees.

Additionally, Senator Talha Mehmood added that he had purchased a building for SAR 1,700 instead of SAR 2,600, which was the price charged for the Hajj 2019 pilgrimage. The Minister additionally disclosed that he travelled to Saudi Arabia on his own dime.

To guarantee that all pilgrims are treated fairly and given the same amenities and benefits on their spiritual journey, it has been decided to abolish free and VIP Hajj. The government’s financial burden will be lessened as a result of this choice, and more people who can afford to pay the required fees will be able to participate in the Hajj.