KARACHI: Upon the directives of Saudi Authorities, Pakistani women cannot perform Hajj this year without wearing Abaya.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs took notice of Pakistani women pilgrims without Abaya and issued notices to the National Airline and Directorate of Hajj.

The notice said that the airlines will face penalty of 5,000 Saudi Riyal and suspension of Hajj director if the condition of Abaya is not fulfilled.

The measures were taken after a flight carrying women pilgrims to Saudi Arabia yesterday without Abaya. Consequently Saudi Authorities urged Pakistan to follow the dress code for women pilgrims.