The Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced a new regulation policy for private Hajj schemes, requiring security clearance for individuals opting for Hajj packages costing more than Rs3 million.
The move is aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of funds in one of Islam’s most significant religious pilgrimages.
Under the revised policy, the names of pilgrims opting for expensive private Hajj packages will be sent to the FBR. The board will then investigate the assets and tax history of pilgrims choosing expensive private Hajj packages.
The names of these individuals will be forwarded to security agencies to assess their criminal records or any other relevant history. Only after receiving security clearance will such pilgrims be permitted to proceed with their Hajj arrangements.
Additionally, companies offering Hajj packages above the Rs3 million threshold must submit detailed information about their packages for approval by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The ministry will scrutinise and approve the pricing and associated expenses to ensure compliance with regulations.
To oversee the implementation of the new policy, the Ministry has appointed Muhammad Hakeem Khattak as the focal person.
