By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has said that government will not pass on the burden of any increase in fares to pilgrims keeping in view increasing oil prices at the international market.
Talking to APP here on Wednesday, he said earlier PIA and the Religious Ministry had agreed on fare issue but now he feared PIA might increase fare for Hajj operation after unprecedented surge in petrol prices.
“The government and PIA will bear the burden of increased fares and we will not pass on the burden to pilgrims” , he said.
Replying to a question regarding Hajj policy, he said the ministry will submit all required details in the Supreme Court on August 1 and the policy is likely to be announced on August 2.
He said that announcement of Hajj policy is already delayed for 20 days, which created problem for the ministry to finalise arrangements.
Kazmi said he would soon meet the Prime Minister to discuss important issues regarding Hajj policy.
He said Prime Minister has constituted a three- member committee which include Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs, Law Minister and Secretary Religious Affairs to settle all issues.
He said that ministry wants to announce regular Hajj policy ahead of tour operator policy ( private policy) to streamline the entire process, adding under the agreement with Saudi government, the government is bound to give 50 percent quota to private tour operators.
The advisor said that Director Hajj has been directed to give maximum relief to pilgrims and finalise all arrangements including accommodation and transportation service.