NA discusses subsidy to Hajj pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan lawmakers during the National Assembly session on Tuesday called for allowing subsidy to Hajj pilgrims in the same manner in which India provides it to its people, Geo News reported.

During the session, Speaker NA Dr. Fahmida Mirza pointed out that air fair was lower in India compared Pakistan, directing the Minister for Religious Affairs to look into the matter.

The Minister cited the provision of subsidy in India as the reason for fair being low there. Besides, he added that a Fatwa exists that subsidy on Hajj could not be provided.

On this, Babar Ghauri said the Minister for Religious Affairs was at mistake because 'Islam favors provision of maximum facilities to the Muslims'. He said his party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), will take up the matter of extending subsidy to Hajj pilgrims in the Cabinet.