Karachi:President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Mian Anjum Nisar has communicated to Prime Minister Imran Khan that FPCCI’s Central Standing Committee on Religious Affairs had demanded a relief package for religious tour operators engaged in Hajj, Umrah and Iran-Iraq Ziyarat operations.
In a letter Mr. Nisar informed Prime Minister that Covid-19 had affected Religious Tour Operators very badly, they were the first ones to go out of operations and would be the last one to resume their respective operations.
He further informed that suspension of Hajj 2020 operations from Pakistan was the worst blow for Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) while missing Ramadan Umrah season affected even the smallest religious tour operator. Condition of operators engaged in Iran and Iraq religious tours was no different, he added.
FPCCI President conveyed to the Prime Minister that during the first meeting of Central Standing Committee on Religious Affairs held under the chairmanship of its Convener Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari demanded a dedicated and comprehensive RELIEF PACKAGE for HGOs and RELIGIOUS TOUR OPERATORS of the country comprising of;
Tax relief for 2020 and 2021.
Easy and non-profit loans to HGOs and other religious tour operators.
Implementation of 50-50 Hajj Quota between government and HGOs as per signed Memorandum of Understanding.
Allotment of Hajj Quota to HGOs for good 05 years instead of repeating the process every year, as precious time is being wasted in it and HGOs get very limited window of time to book Hajj Pilgrims at home and to make hotel and matab bookings at Saudi Arabia.
Release of Hujjaj Compensation Fund (HCF) to its contributors to combat post Covid-19 financial constraints faced by HGOs.
Saudi Arabia government has increased Visa Fee, escalated Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5% to 15% and charging exorbitant prices for 15 year old Maktabs. Government should talk to Saudi Arabia government to reduce theses prices keeping in view the Covid-19 OR announce to bear the said increase for at least next three years.
Measures to streamline and regularize the Iran and Iraq religious tour operations.
Mian Anjum Nisar concluded his communiqué by stating that religious tour operators of the country were in perils and wanted government’s support and patronage.