The Ministry of Religious Affairs earlier today informed the National Assembly about its proposal to the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to reduce airfares for Hajj pilgrims by a whopping 40 per cent.
During the question hour, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah told the House that the government will announce the revised fare after receiving a reply from the national carrier, Radio Pakistan reported.
The minister further informed the House that all necessary arrangements, including accommodation and transportation, have been made for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah.
With the aim to stabilise an unrealistic hike in fares, PIA in February announced a reduction in its domestic and international fares.
“Airfares for Karachi-Islamabad-Karachi and Karachi-Lahore-Karachi will start from Rs7,500, while return tickets for Umrah passengers will begin at Rs54,500 for people living in Lahore and Islamabad, and Rs44,500 for all those traveling from Karachi,” said a press release.
“The national carrier has taken the decision to reduce its fares, in order to facilitate its valued customers and stabilise the unrealistic rise in airfares caused by the recent strike,” the statement added.
