Umrah cost for Pakistanis is going down with PIA’s latest discounts

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s national carrier is slashing the ticket price by up to Rs6,000 for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan in what appears to be a relief for the citizens.

Effective immediately, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has implemented reduced fares for Umrah pilgrims and these lowered rates will benefit travelers departing from major Pakistani cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Sialkot, Multan, and Faisalabad bound for Jeddah.

Passengers originating from Karachi and Quetta will now pay Rs79,000, while those from other cities will have to pay Rs87,000, exclusive of taxes.

The discount is a welcome relief for Pakistani pilgrims facing rising inflation and PIA expects a surge in passenger numbers and revenue as a result of the offer.

Meanwhile, the Hajj Policy for the upcoming year has not been announced till now though unofficial details confirm that there will be a short-term package for pilgrims besides the retention of the Sponsorship Scheme.

Those performing Hajj under the Sponsorship Scheme will have a confirmed slot for Hajj and there will be no balloting for them. This year’s Hajj would be easier for pilgrims as the Saudi authorities have approved the extension of the ‘Road to Makkah’ project to airports in Peshawar and Quetta.

This ‘Road to Makkah’ initiative streamlines visa issuance and provides various services, such as baggage facilities, to Hajj pilgrims at their respective countries’ airports, simplifying their arrival in Saudi Arabia.