Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of the reports of 200 officials of Religious Ministry going on Hajj on government expenses.
According to media reports, the PM has sought an explanation from the ministry over reports of 200 of its officials going for Hajj, out of which 35 were from the office of Religious Affairs Minister Mufti Abdul Shakoor alone. These included five drivers, four gunmen, a cook and 11 personal secretaries and assistants. According to the report, the minister himself will also be performing Hajj this year.
Media reports citing the ministry’s spokesperson said that it was usual for the staff to go to Hajj every year and drivers and gunmen tagged along for help.
The reports had also claimed that the trip for the 200 individuals would cost Rs170 million.
Last week, Minister Abdul Shakoor had announced that the annual Hajj pilgrimage would cost Rs860,000 per pilgrim under the government scheme. However, the federal cabinet approved a subsidy of Rs150,000 for each person, reducing the cost per person to Rs650,000 to Rs710,000.
