Minister for Religious Affairs Senator Talha Mahmood says effective measures are being taken to make this year Hajj safe, economical and comfortable for the pilgrims.

He was speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Religious Affairs which met in Islamabad with MNA Pir Syed Imran Shah in the chair.

Senator Talha Mahmood said the amount deposited by the pilgrims for Hajj is safe and he will not allow anybody to use it for their personal gains.

The Minister said he has made it clear in the parliament that there will be no free of cost  Hajj for anyone this year and assured the committee that no complain in this connection will be received.

Addressing the meeting, MNA Shahida Akhtar appreciated the announcement by the Minister in the parliament about closing the free of cost Hajj this year.

In her remarks, MNA Shagufta Jumani lauded the Minister for Religious Affairs for his tireless efforts to ensure best facilities for the Hajj pilgrims.

The meeting also offered Fateha for the departed soul of late Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor, who died in a road accident in Islamabad last month.