Govt urges Hajj operators not to collect money from intending pilgrims in advance

Islamabad: Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has asked private tour operators and individuals to refrain from collecting money from the intending pilgrims in advance.

In an exclusive talk, the ministry’s spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said the government has, so far, not permitted any tour operator to receive money or applications for this year's Hajj.

He said certain private tour operators and individuals are involved in collecting money in the wake of Hajj registration which is totally an illegal act and a punishable offence.

The spokesman urged the people not to hand over their passports and money to any individual or operator, unless a list of private tour operators with Hajj quota is posted on the ministry’s website along with their authorization to receive Hajj applications.

He said if people found any individual or operator involved in this illegitimate practice, they should immediately intimate the ministry on its telephone numbers so that necessary disciplinary action may be taken against them.