The soaring inflation has made it increasingly difficult for people to perform Umrah, especially during Ramadan. The sharp rise in visa and travel costs has left many aspiring pilgrims disappointed, with expenses skyrocketing beyond their reach.
Sixty-year-old Allah Ditta, holding his passport and documents, has been visiting travel agencies with the dream of performing Umrah. However, the steep increase in costs has shattered his hopes.
"We wanted to go for Umrah in the month of Ramadan, but when I inquired, the cost had risen to over Rs350,000. Just six months ago, the package was around Rs200,000. Now, it has become very difficult because I had saved only a limited amount," he lamented.
The surge in Umrah costs has also affected travel agents, as fewer people can afford the pilgrimage. Fahad Mufti, a travel agent, highlighted the impact of inflation on Umrah travel.
"Umrah has become so expensive that it is now beyond the reach of many people. The number of Umrah travelers has decreased by 40 to 50%. The government should introduce policies to ease the financial burden on pilgrims," he suggested.
Hundreds of people like Allah Ditta, who saved money over the years to fulfill their spiritual aspirations, now find themselves struggling due to inflation. The rising costs of travel and accommodation have made the sacred journey increasingly difficult, leaving many hopeful pilgrims in despair.
