PAKISTANI Muslims expect subsidised Haj packages by the government, but the abolition of the subsidy has raises the coast by 60 per cent.

The government’s stance in that, since it is a Farz (mandatory) on only those who can afford it, the government’s revocation of the subsidy should be viewed sympathetically.

However, having said the above, it would have made more sense had the government decided to either defer the repeal of the subsidy or decrease it gradually. I believe it is still not too late for the government to review this policy and accommodate the applicants at the subsidised costs.

I also urge the government to devise revenue generating plans. Annulling subsidies and procuring financial aids and loans without a solid plan to generate revenue are not going to help our economy grow.

M. Haris Zohaib
Karachi

(2)

THIS is about the withdrawal of subsidy on Haj expenses. While the justification being given (dismal economic state) is understandable, the government can do much better by first withdrawing various subsidies to parliamentarians in the form of free air travel, utilities’ bills, the low-cost menu in its cafeterias etc, and then use the amount thus saved to restore suitable subsidy in Haj expenses.

The government should ask Saudi authorities for a reduction in its official Haj charges, while explaining to the public the breakdown of the official Haj cost (amount payable to Saudi authorities, the local agent fees, etc). Beside, each year free Haj offers are received from the Saudi authorities, which are utilised by various government agencies and personnel who can afford to perform Haj on their own; such invitations should be centralised to help those those who otherwise cannot afford to perform Haj.

Lastly, because the government has withdrawn the subsidy, none of its functionary should enjoy a free or department supported Haj.

Asim Raza
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2019