Chowrangi

The Pakistan International Airlines is planning to raise Hajj and Umra fares. PIA wants to increase the Hajj fares from Rs. 38,500 and Rs 46,200 to Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 89,900. The Umra fares may be increased from Rs. 33,540 and Rs. 37,550 to Rs. 41,340 and Rs. 45,350 from the 1st of June.

Pakistan acclaims to be an Islamic state but take a closer look. Is it really an Islamic country? The answer, perhaps, is no. The increased fare of Hajj and Umra are suggesting this. Isn’t it abashing to call yourself an Islamic country? All other Muslim countries give special discounts to those who intend to perform pilgrimage but here in Pakistan, instead of giving more new facilities and convenience to make the journey and performance of pilgrimage easier, our very own air lines is snatching away, even the past facilities.

Most of the population of Pakistan belongs to lower and middle class families and there are a very small number of people who comes under the category of elite class. With such an inflation rate, can it actually be expected that the poor Muslims of Pakistan would be able to perform Hajj?

These sky rocketing fares will certainly be a hindrance for those who contemplate to perform hajj. Now the number of people performing hajj will decrease significantly. People in Pakistan don’t have enough money to buy flour and oil, how can they buy such an expensive ticket? This acrid attitude of PIA is condemnable.

Other posts by Saher Rabbani

• The expected India Pakistan War - November 30th, 2008
• The End of Coalition - August 27th, 2008
• Why safe exit for Musharraf? - August 16th, 2008
• Happy Independence Day - August 14th, 2008
• Pakistan, Independent or not? - August 7th, 2008
• Budget, a relief or a threat - August 6th, 2008
• Pakistan needs you - July 8th, 2008
• Warning of Baitullah Mehsud - June 29th, 2008
• Curtailed Presidential Powers through 18th Constitution Amendment Bill - May 25th, 2008
• Pakistan Flour Crisis - May 25th, 2008