The sharp rise in inflation has made it increasingly difficult for people to perform Umrah, especially during Ramadan. Skyrocketing visa and travel expenses have placed the pilgrimage beyond reach for many, leaving aspiring pilgrims disheartened.
Sixty-year-old Allah Wala has been visiting travel agencies in hopes of fulfilling his dream of performing Umrah. However, the surge in costs has shattered his aspirations.
“We wanted to go for Umrah in Ramadan, but the cost has now exceeded Rs 350,000, whereas just six months ago, it was around Rs 200,000. I had saved only a limited amount, and now it seems impossible,” he lamented.
The steep increase in expenses has also impacted travel agencies, as fewer people can now afford the sacred journey. Travel agents highlighted the concerning trend.
“Umrah has become so costly that many people simply cannot afford it anymore. We’ve seen a 40 to 50% drop in Umrah travelers. The government must introduce policies to reduce the financial burden on pilgrims,” they urged.
For hundreds like Allah Wala, years of savings are no longer enough to cover the rising travel and accommodation costs. The surge in expenses has turned a once-accessible spiritual journey into a financial struggle, leaving many hopeful pilgrims in despair.
