Talha Mehmood dispels the impression to provide free Hajj facility to President Dr. Arif Alvi & his family

ISLAMABAD, June 14 (SABAH): Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Senator Talha Mahmood says Hajj expenditure has been reduced to $3,900 from $5,000 as a result of the prudent policies of the coalition government.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Senator Talha Mahmood said over four billion rupees have been returned to pilgrims and any remaining amount will also be given back to them.

The Minister further explained that airfare as well as the cost of transportation within Saudi Arabia, accommodation, and food is included in the package of 3900 dollars. He said pilgrims’ stay at Mina and Arafat has also been covered in this scheme.

Replying to a question, Talha Mahmood said eighty percent of Pakistani pilgrims have been provided accommodations close to Markaziya in Madina.

He said utmost transparency has been emphasized during this Hajj season. He said he himself deposited over one point one million rupees to the account of Ministry of Religious Affairs for Hajj and he is ready to pay more if need arises. He categorically stated that state money will not be spent on any individual to perform Hajj.

Regarding the Hajj Moavineen, Talha Mahmood said that they are meant to serve pilgrims and they do not go there to perform Hajj.

Talha Mehmood also dispelled the impression to provide free Hajj facility to the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi and his family.