ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf Thursday said the Hajj expenses of Government Hajj Scheme would not be increased during next Hajj season.
While addressing at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), he said the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has proved that the chronic ills could be overcome with commitment and dedication to serve.
The minister said the government would apply increasing Hajj quota of Pakistanis as per results of new census.
Sardar Yousaf said the ministry had endured some problems due to reduction of 20 percent Hajj quota of Pakistan by Saudi Arabia due to expansion work of the Holy Mosque. The situation had improved after the restoration of 20 percent quota of Pakistan. Over 179,000 Pakistan would perform Hajj next year also.
Since assuming charge of Religious Ministry, he said the Hajj applications of Government Scheme had increased manifold. After restoration of peoples’ confidence on government, Hajj applications in government scheme had increase three fold which have been allocated through balloting.
Responding to a question, he said biometric verification of Hajj Umra pilgrims in Pakistan would help reducing time consumed in immigration in Saudi Arabia. The finger prints verification system should be conducted at district level. Double finger prints and long queues should be ended at airports of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Responding to a question, he said the recognizing Jerusalem as capital of Israel by the United States of America would put the world on verge to destruction.
