The Hajj operation from Multan district of southern Punjab has begun, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.

A flight, carrying 215 intending pilgrims left Multan for Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj.

Punjab Minister Ali Haider Gilani saw off the intending pilgrims at the Multan airport.

He said the pilgrims would be provided with all-out support for the noble cause. 

 Last month, the National Assembly was informed about the measures to cut the pilgrimage expenses for the ongoing year 

However, in a policy statement, Minister for Religious Affairs Molvi Abdul Shakoor said the government is still busy negotiating with the Saudi government and other quarters concerned to cut the cost.

He said that the ministry had hired residential buildings in Makkah at the rate of 2,100 Saudi riyals against the rate of 3,600 riyals paid in 2019 by the previous government.