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POLITICS — July 29, 2026

Taliban Ministry to Refund Excess Hajj Funds to Pilgrims

Each of the 30,000 pilgrims is due to receive 3,223 Afghanis, with distribution scheduled to start next week.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — corroborated by Bakhtar News, Afghanistan International and Omid Radio — 2 min read

Taliban Ministry to Refund Excess Hajj Funds to Pilgrims
Image courtesy Amu TV

The Taliban Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs said it will begin refunding excess funds collected from this year's Hajj pilgrims next week.

Ministry officials reported collecting 7 billion 818 million 307 thousand 200 Afghanis from 30,000 pilgrims. After covering expenses, each pilgrim is due to receive 3,223 Afghanis.

Minister Sheikh Noor Mohammad Saqib announced the refunds during a press conference. Reports on the exact remaining amount varied slightly, with one outlet citing 96 million 690 thousand Afghanis and others stating 94 million 565 thousand 616 Afghanis.

The ministry also said 19 pilgrims died of natural causes during the pilgrimage, with no deaths linked to incidents. Officials added that the funds will be held at the Central Bank until claimed.

Read the original reporting at Amu TV →

Reliability assessment

4 independent outlets corroborate the core event from a named minister's on-record press conference with consistent figures on collection and per-pilgrim refund; minor variation in remaining total does not affect event verification

The source language reads straight.

Across the newsrooms

Where reports agree

  • 30,000 Afghan pilgrims performed Hajj this year
  • Total funds collected: 7 billion 818 million 307 thousand 200 Afghanis
  • Excess funds will be refunded starting next week at 3,223 Afghanis per pilgrim
  • Press conference held by Minister Noor Mohammad Saqib on 7 Asad / Wednesday

Where reports differ

  • Remaining amount reported as 96 million 690 thousand Afghanis (Afghanistan International) vs. 94 million 565 thousand 616 Afghanis (Amu TV, Bakhtar News, Omid Radio)

Filed by 4 outlets

Filed under

Politics — Hajj, Taliban, Noor Mohammad Saqib, pilgrims, refunds

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