Haj subsidy

Published February 14, 2019

THIS refers to Haj subsidy. The government should restore its subsidy for only those pilgrims who apply for the first time and their age bracket is 50 plus.

People who are over 50 and are going for the first time means they had no financial means to apply earlier. Then we have people who are 80 plus and still have not performed Haj. They may also be awarded subsidy.

A person who is going for the second or third time for Haj should not be awarded subsidy.

The ministry concerned should convince the masses through the media to perform Umrah and Haj at a young age soon after marriage. People from Malaysia and other Muslim countries prefer to perform Haj and Umrah soon after their marriages.

In Pakistan, it has been observed that people do not bother and do not save money for this purpose.

Instead, even lower middle and middle class people spend money lavishly on dowry and wedding functions. If we have simple weddings and save money, couples may plan for Umrah soon after marriage.

When the government announced the withdrawal of the subsidy on Haj, there was a hue and cry in the media. On the other hand, we observe that most people waste money only to show off.

Therefore, the government should restore Haj subsidy only in some cases.

Shagufta Ansari
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

ALTHOUGH dealing with the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan is a major political, security and strategic...
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...