Saudi Arabia warns bankrupt Pakistan, threatens to impose fine of Rs 22,00,000 if…, Saudi government also plans to…

Islamabad: In a stern message to Pakistan regarding Haj regulations, the Saudi Arabian government has told the bankrupt Shehbaz Sharif government that if any Pakistani citizen is found violating this year’s Haj permit rules, strict penalties will be imposed. The direction came after Pakistan officially began operating Hajj flights on Tuesday, during which the first group of 442 pilgrims departed from Islamabad to Medina.

Action Will Be Taken Against Rule Violators

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has clarified that strict action will be taken for violations of Haj regulations between April 29 and June 10. The ministry further added that anyone performing or attempting to perform Haj without a valid permit will face a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately Rs 4.5 lakh). This rule applies to all visa holders, whether they have already entered or are residing in Makkah.

A fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals will be imposed

The ministry further stated that if any individual applies for a travel visa with the intention of performing Haj without a valid Haj permit or helps such individuals reach Makkah, they will be fined up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately Rs 22.5 lakh). This fine may be multiplied based on the number of individuals involved.

Arrest and Deportation Also Possible

The Saudi authorities have also warned Pakistan that if anyone provides accommodation, transportation, or any form of assistance—whether it is a hotel, private residence, or Haj camp—to pilgrims without proper permits in the Hajj area will face a fine of up to 100,000 riyals. All individuals involved in such illegal acts will be immediately arrested, deported, and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for a minimum of 10 years.

How many Haj pilgrims will go from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia?

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also expressed concern over this issue, saying, “The increasing number (of such incidents) is tarnishing the country’s image abroad.” This year, approximately 89,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme, while 23,620 will go through private tour operators. Out of these, 50,500 pilgrims will benefit from Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative, with 22,500 departing from Karachi and 28,000 from Islamabad.

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