Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, is an important event for millions of Muslims around the world. In Pakistan, thousands of people undertake this sacred journey every year. However, the cost of performing Hajj has been a topic of concern for many people. In this guide, we will provide you with all the details about the Hajj 2023 cost from Pakistan.
Government Hajj Package Price in 2023
The government of Pakistan offers a subsidized Hajj package for its citizens. The price for the government Hajj package in 2023 is expected to be around 10.5 lacs Pakistani rupees. This package includes accommodation in Mina, Arafat, and Makkah, airfare, transport, and other necessary expenses. The government Hajj package is designed to make Hajj accessible to all citizens, regardless of their financial situation.
Private or Sponsored Hajj Package Price in 2023
Apart from the government Hajj package, many private tour operators and companies offer sponsored Hajj packages to Pakistanis. These packages include additional facilities and services, such as better accommodation, transportation, and food. However, they come at a higher price than the government package. The cost of a sponsored Hajj package in 2023 can range from 11.5 to 12.5 lacs Pakistani rupees. The price may vary depending on the facilities and services offered by the tour operator.
Comparison of Hajj Price in 2023 and 2022
The Hajj price in Pakistan has increased significantly over the years, and 2023 is no exception. In 2022, the government Hajj package price was around 7 lacs Pakistani rupees. The price has increased by more than 50% in just one year, which has caused concern among many people. The increase in Hajj price is mainly due to currency devaluation and the rising cost of accommodation and transportation in Saudi Arabia.
Hajj Price in USD and Percentage Difference
The Hajj package prices in Pakistan are usually quoted in Pakistani rupees, but it’s important to know the price in US dollars as well. The current exchange rate is around 174 Pakistani rupees for 1 US dollar. Therefore, the government Hajj package price in USD for 2023 would be around USD 4,325. The percentage difference in the government Hajj package price between 2022 and 2023 is approximately 35%.
Why has the Hajj price increased so much?
One of the main reasons for the increase in Hajj prices is the devaluation of the Pakistani rupee. The exchange rate between the Pakistani rupee and the US dollar has been fluctuating in recent years, and the Pakistani rupee has been losing value against the US dollar. This has resulted in higher costs for travel and accommodation, which are usually priced in US dollars.
In addition, the Saudi government has increased the fees for various services related to the Hajj, including transportation, accommodation, and security. These fees are then passed on to the pilgrims, which contributes to the overall increase in the cost of Hajj.
How many people can go on Hajj from Pakistan this year?
The number of people allowed to perform Hajj from Pakistan is determined by the Saudi government, which allocates a quota to each country based on its Muslim population. For Hajj 2023, Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, which is a significant increase from the previous year’s quota of 132,000 pilgrims. This increase in quota has been welcomed by many Pakistanis who wish to perform Hajj this year.
Conclusion
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is a dream for many Muslims to perform this sacred pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. While the cost of Hajj has increased significantly in recent years, it has not deterred the faithful from undertaking this journey of a lifetime. Whether you choose to go on the government-sponsored Hajj or the private or sponsored Hajj, it is important to plan ahead and be prepared for the challenges that may arise during the pilgrimage.
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