ISLAMABAD
The National Assembly was informed today (Friday) that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has proposed to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to reduce fares for Hajj pilgrims by 40 percent, the Radio Pakistan reported.
During the question hour, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah told the House that government will announce the fare after receiving a reply from PIA.
The Minister said appropriate accommodation and transportation arrangements have been made for pilgrims in Makka and Madina.
The pilgrimage requires money, physical perseverance and a coveted hajj visa. Saudi Arabia has strict quotas for each country to manage crowd safety.
This year, 2 million to 3 million pilgrims are expected pack shoulder to shoulder in prayer in a valley called Arafat. That is the site where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon 1,400 years ago, calling for equality and unity among Muslims.
Islam requires all able-bodied Muslims to perform the hajj at least once. The pilgrimage is among the five main pillars of Islam, which also include belief in the oneness of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as his final messenger, five daily prayers facing toward the Kaaba, annual charity and fasting during the month of Ramadan.