KARACHI, May 26: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr Ijazul Haq has said restriction on under-40 pilgrims performing Umrah or Haj alone cannot be supported.

He said a delegation of the ministry would meet Saudi Haj Ministry officials on June 13 to discuss the age-limit issue.

The federal minister was talking to newsmen after attending a meeting of a senate Standing Committee here on Thursday.

Referring to PIA’ request for an increase in air fares by 30 per cent, the minister for religious affairs said efforts were being made to maintain previous year’s fares or allow a minimum increase in them.

Ijazul Haq said private and foreign airlines should also be given chance if they wanted to undertake Haj operations as it would lead to competition and subsequent reduction in fares.—APP