Hajj 2019: All you need to know about new policy

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has accorded approval to Hajj Policy 2019, directing the Religious Ministry to provide optimum facilities to intending pilgrims, desiring to perform the sacred religious obligation through Government Hajj Scheme. Briefing media the decisions of Federal Cabinet, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Thursday said that this year the Hajj package would cost Rs 4,36,575 for Northern and Rs 4,26,575 for Southern regions.For the first time in history intending pilgrims of Balochistan would be airlifted directly from Quetta.A temporary Haji camp was being established at Gilgit to facilitate the intending pilgrims of Gilgit-Baltistan.As many as 184,210 Pakistanis would perform the sacred religious obligation this year. According to the minister, 10,000 seats have been reserved from senior citizens to secure their berth in government Hajj scheme without balloting.While 1.5 percent quota is reserved to accommodate hardship cases, he said. The operations national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would start from Quetta and Faisalabad.