Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Private Hajj operators have illegally transferred over Rs 25 billion to Saudi Arabia through Hundi. Investigation conducted by Daily Times revealed that 99 percent of Hajj operators transfer their money to Saudi Arabia through illegal ways

Investigation further disclosed that Hajj operators are charging the intending pilgrims Hajj fee at rates anywhere between Rs 450,000 to Rs 2,500,000. There are certain tour operators who are charging Rs 3,000,000 in the name of Seven Star packages. On the other hand, the government charges only Rs 270,000 against five star Hajj program.

Daily Times contacted a leading Hajj operator Haji Yousuf from Karachi who said that “we have to spend 60 percent to 65 percent in Saudi Arabia besides cost of ticket and these include meals, hotel and transportation charges.” It is pertinent to mention here that Haji Yousuf is sending 100 pilgrims through his agency to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. He receives Rs 450,000 from per Hajji and this way he will collect Rs 4,500,000 from 100 pilgrims. He will spend only Rs 270,000 which is equal to 60 percent of his collection.

Haji Muhammad Yousuf said that he transfers the amount to Saudi Arabia through other means due to ill conceived policies of the State Bank. “As we have to book hotel 6 weeks before, therefore, no other option is left with us that how can we take this money to Saudi Arabia through legal ways. It is possible if state bank issues NOC for next Hajj soon after current Hajj concludes. Then, we can take all this money legally to Saudi Arabia,” he added.

When we extended the scope of our investigation, it came to light that chairman Hupe, a Hajj operator organisation and owner of 9 travel agencies, Naeem Sharif, is sending 1200 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through his agency for performance of Hajj under five star package and Nadim Sharif received Rs 840,000 per Hajji. Nadim Sharif was present along with his brother Naeem Sharif in Saudi Arabia.

When we placed the entire matter before finance secretary Waqar Masood, he said if Hajj operators open foreign currency accounts, then the money can be transferred to other countries easily. But travel agents don’t do so because money is documented this way and the matter then goes to FBR.

Member FBR Dr Iqbal said that “we receive only Rs 5000 on account of tax per Hajji and we don’t know how they transfer this money to Saudi Arabia. If this money is sent through the bank, currency exchange companies or licensed companies registered with the state bank, then it is illegal.

When we asked this question from spokesperson and assistant director state bank Abid Qamar he said if Hajj operators were sending their money through banks, then it was legal and if they were not transferring money this way, then it falls in the ambit of money laundering which is illegal and legal action should be taken against them.

Private Hajj operators are taking 71911 pilgrims with them this year. Data of these companies should be obtained and notices issued to them that they should provide documentary evidence to the state bank and FBR about mode of transferring this money to Saudi Arabia.