ISLAMABAD: Hajj flights for carrying Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will kick off on September 20, said an official of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Accomodations have been hired to facilitate over 95 percent Government scheme hujjaj, he further said.
Talking to APP, he said PIA will operate a total of 214 Hajj flights to Jeddah and Makkah.
Two airlines Pakistan International Air lines (PIA) and Saudi Airlines used to carry the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia till Hajj 2010. Another two airlines Shaheen Air and NAS air from Saudi Arabia had been designated to airlift the hujjaj as per air service agreement in year 2011.
Over 95 percent buildings for accommodating the intending hujjaj of government scheme have so far been hired. Hajj medical mission was being constituted now days.
Pakistan army has appointed a commanding officer in this regard, he said. Managing Director Pakistan Baitul Maal Zamurrad Khan will lead a team of 200 volunteers to perform the duties of Khudam ul Hujjaj during the hajj.
The additional quota of 10,000 has not yet received from Saudi Arabia. The ministry had issued offer letters to private Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) on April 21.
A quota of 890605 was allotted to HGOs in the second week of June.
As per Saudi laws the ministry is bound to send list of HGOs to Saudi Arabia by Ramzan 15, he said. This year a new category blue has been added to facilitate the pilgrims.
A Southern region pilgrim of blue category has paid Rs319475. While the aspirants from northern region have paid Rs331475 for performing hajj. A Green category Southern region pilgrim has paid Rs256975 and Rs268975 has been fixed as hajj expenses for Northern region pilgrims.
White category southern region pilgrims have to pay Rs221975 for hajj and northern region pilgrims have to pay Rs233975 for performing the sacred religious obligation, he added.
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