hajj applications
2024 date Pakistan
In a recent development, Pakistan has
decided to extend the deadline for submitting Hajj applications under the
government scheme by an additional 10 days. The decision was prompted by a
lower-than-expected number of applications received, as revealed by Religious
Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed on Monday. The initial deadline for Hajj 2024
applications was set for December 12, following the invitation from Pakistan's
religious affairs ministry starting on November 27.
The allocated quota for Pakistani
pilgrims participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage under the government's
scheme for the upcoming year is 89,605. However, the number of applications
received so far stands at only 34,000, according to information provided by
Muhammad Umer Butt, a spokesperson for the religious ministry. This includes
applications under both the government and sponsorship schemes, with the latter
allowing overseas Pakistanis to either apply for Hajj or sponsor someone in
Pakistan for the pilgrimage by making payments in US dollars.
How much hajj 2024
costs
Despite a reduction of Rs. 100,000 in the
Hajj package (equivalent to $351.92), the ministry has seen a surprisingly low
response, which Minister Aneeq Ahmed attributes to the challenging economic
conditions in the country. In an effort to ease the financial burden on
pilgrims, the ministry is actively negotiating with airline companies to reduce
airfare. Any resulting reduction, whether by Rs. 50,000 or more, will be
refunded to the pilgrims. The ministry has already achieved success in lowering
the cost of air tickets by $800-$1,000.
Is Hajj Applications
Extended in Pakistan?
Innovative approaches, such as using
mobile phone ringtones and televised commercials, were employed for the first
time by the religious ministry to raise awareness about the Hajj scheme.
Minister Ahmed expressed dedication to providing more relief to the pilgrims
and remains optimistic that these efforts will yield positive results. Despite
the challenges, the government is committed to facilitating the sacred journey
of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, ensuring that eligible Muslims can
undertake the pilgrimage to the holy sites in Makkah at least once in their
lifetime, provided they are financially and physically able. It's worth noting
that Saudi Arabia recently restored Pakistan's pre-corona virus Hajj quota of
179,210 pilgrims and removed the upper age limit of 65 years for performing the
pilgrimage, allowing more flexibility for aspiring pilgrims. In the previous
year, over 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims participated in Hajj under the government
scheme, while others opted for private tour operators.
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