'90,000 Pakistanis to perform Hajj this year'

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, announced that 90,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj this year under the official government scheme. During a press conference in Lahore, he stated that Hajj flight operations are set to begin from April 29. He added that preparations including vaccination and training are in full swing, with Hajj training sessions scheduled to begin on April 8. The Hajj package cost has been set at Rs11,50,000 for short-term pilgrims and Rs10,50,000 for long-term pilgrims. The minister also confirmed meetings with Saudi officials and reviewed Hajj arrangements. He clarified that Umrah visas are typically suspended ahead of Hajj to ensure smooth operations.