Major Relief for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims with New $40 Million Saudi Fund
- Sara Habib
- July 18, 2025
- 8:39 am
- 46
- Current Affairs
Pilgrim travel savings are set to improve, thanks to a generous fund created by Saudi travel and hospitality firms. This move will help Hajj and Umrah pilgrims reduce their costs significantly, easing the financial burden on many.
Rs. 15 Billion Support for Pilgrims
The Saudi initiative has introduced a $40 million (Rs. 15 billion) fund to assist pilgrims. With this support, each pilgrim may save up to Rs. 50,000 on travel expenses. This major financial relief has been welcomed by many in Pakistan.
The Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, praised the decision. He said it reflects a growing partnership between the two countries. He also noted that it will benefit thousands of pilgrims this year.
Government Action on Missing Pilgrims
During a recent event, Minister Yousuf mentioned another important update. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rejected the initial report on the missing 63,000 Hajj pilgrims. A new committee has been formed to investigate the issue properly. This shows the government’s serious approach to accountability and transparency.
New Prayer Calendar and Group Travel Plans
To promote religious unity, the government plans to release a new prayer calendar in Islamabad soon. This calendar will serve all communities across the country.
Additionally, the minister shared plans for organized group travel to Iran, Iraq, and Syria. These trips will follow the same model used for Hajj and Umrah, making travel safer and more affordable.
Promoting Religious Harmony
The minister met with a delegation from the Shia Ulema Council to discuss peace efforts. He emphasized that unity among all religious groups is key to national strength. Joint initiatives like these support long-term peace and mutual respect in Pakistan.
A Step Forward for Pilgrims
This financial aid marks a strong step forward. With continued efforts from the government and religious organizations, more people can now perform Hajj and Umrah without heavy costs.
