ISLAMABAD by IMTISAL BUKHARI
In a significant move to protect Umrah pilgrims from fraud and deception, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has released a list of 113 verified Umrah companies for the Islamic year 1447 Hijri. The list is available on the ministry’s official website, and pilgrims are strongly advised to verify any company before making a booking.
According to a spokesperson of the ministry, all intending pilgrims must confirm the registration status of any Umrah company through the official portal before entering into any agreement to avoid potential scams or financial losses.
Key Guidelines for Umrah Pilgrims:
- Verify the Umrah company through the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ official website.
- Make all payments only through bank transfer to the company’s official bank account; cash payments should be avoided.
- Obtain a payment receipt and a copy of the agreement from the company.
- Ensure to book a complete Umrah package, which includes visa, air ticket, transportation, and accommodation.
The ministry’s spokesperson stated that many innocent people fall victim to fraud every Umrah season, and this step aims to prevent such incidents. The public has been urged to stay away from unregistered or suspicious operators and only use certified and approved companies for Umrah bookings.
The release of this verified list is being hailed as a timely and positive initiative in the interest of protecting the rights and finances of Umrah pilgrims.
