PIA reduces ticket prices for Umrah flights

Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced an immediate reduction in Umrah fares by up to Rs6,000 on Friday.

The new rates will take effect immediately and can be used for flights from Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, Multan, and Faisalabad to Jeddah.

A PIA representative stated that the two-way Umrah cost from these cities to Jeddah will be Rs87,000, tax excluded, while the fare from Quetta and Karachi will be Rs79,000.

The reduction in Umrah fares is a welcome move for Pakistani pilgrims, who have been facing the brunt of rising inflation and a weakening rupee.

Additionally, the change is expected to increase PIA's revenue and passenger load.

Furthermore, the Minister of Religious Affairs's scheduled news conference was rescheduled on Wednesday, adding an unexpected delay to the much-awaited release of the Hajj Policy for 2024.

The delay was attributed to ongoing discussions and efforts by the ministry of religious affairs to reduce the cost of the Hajj package.

According to sources, the Hajj Policy 2024 was just approved by the federal cabinet.

Among the noteworthy modifications is the introduction of a shorter Hajj package, spanning twenty to twenty-five days, which gives prospective pilgrims more flexibility.