Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA, Haji Shaukat Ali has assured the travel agents that he will take up the issue regarding charge of additional tax from Pakistanis performing more than one Umrah within two years, with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Noor ul Haq Qadri. He was speaking at launching ceremony of BINHAM Group of Travels at a local hotel here on Sunday. Shahid Khan, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Nazim Town-I Zahid Nadeem, social activist Syed Zahid Ali Shah, district member Haji Sher Farzand, PTI workers and travel agents also attended the ceremony.
MNA said the Saudi government had imposed a tax of 2,000 riyals on any individual, from any country, who visits the kingdom more than once in two years to perform an Umrah, which, he termed as complete unjust and unfair decision. Shuakat Ali said there were some countries, which were exempted from such tax. He assured that he will discuss the issue with government, especially to bring in knowledge of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Noor ul Haq Qadri and to take up the issue with Saudi government for amicable resolution of this matter.
Earlier, MNA said the role of travel agents is pivotal to ensure best facilities to intending Umrah and Haj pilgrims. However, he regretted that some travel agents deceived the pilgrims for sack of mending money, and didn't provide appropriate facilities to them. He stressed the need for organising a training programme for intending Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. To which he said the travel agents should arrange such training session to create awareness among the pilgrims about important religious obligation during performing Umrah and Hajj.