The government has announced to return over sixteen billion rupees to hujjaj as relief package.

Addressing media in Islamabad today, Minister for Religious Affairs Talha Mehmood announced to return 97,000 thousand rupees to every pilgrim under this package.

The Minister said this amount is being disbursed to the pilgrims after strictly implementing austerity measures.

He said after disbursement of this amount, the overall package of the government scheme has reduced to 10,32,000 rupees.

Talha Mahmood said the Hujjaj who were provided accommodation away from Haram in Madinah will receive 111,000 rupees under this package while those who also didn't receive train tickets will get a total amount of 132,000 each.

He said the announced amount will be reimbursed in the bank accounts of each pilgrim during next week.

Counting on the efforts of his Ministry's staff, Talha Mahmood  said around 78 percent of hujjaj under government scheme were provided accommodations near Haram while 63 percent were given Mashair Train tickets. He further said 47 percent pilgrims stayed in old Mina.

The Minister said for the next year's Hajj, we have secured a quota of 179,000. He said a plan is being devised to receive Hajj expenses in installments for the facilitation of intending pilgrims.