Islamabad: PIA had already said that its pre-Hajj operation would begin on May 21 and last until August 12. During which time it would take 38,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
According to the PIA Hajj circular, “Pre-Hajj operations will begin from 1st Zilqad to 4th Zilhajj, 1444. Which in Gregorian dates is 21st May to 22nd June 2023 (subject to moon sighting).”
The national flag carrier has decided to charge fares in US dollars for the second year in a row. The prices for pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia under the private Hajj scheme range from $870 to $1180 for the Southern region, which includes Karachi, Quetta, Sukkur, and Hyderabad.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony made a decision last month to give pilgrims who pay in US dollars a 50% special quota in the Government Hajj Scheme-2023. This led to this decision.
On the other hand, the flights for pilgrims coming from the north cost between $910 and $1,220. The cities of Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, and others are all in the northern sector.
A full pilgrimage paid for by the government under the Hajj scheme would cost Rs1.25 million.
