After receiving a “slow response,” Govt. of Pakistan has decided to extend the deadline for submitting applications for sponsorship to the Hajj by one week.
Govt. Extended Hajj Application Deadline For A Week
With the introduction of the “Sponsorship Scheme Hajj” this year, the government has allotted 25,000 seats for overseas residents Pakistanis to apply for the pilgrimage or to sponsor someone in Pakistan for the pilgrimage by paying in US dollars.
Applicants will not require to take part in the balloting procedure in exchange.
Out of a limit of 25,000, only 3,161 applications have received under the government sponsorship plan thus far.
In an effort to fulfill the allotted quota, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has chosen to extend the deadline for Hajj applications by one week.
Moreover, sources stated that the ministry has already received over 63,000 applications under the government’s regular scheme.
Previous Extension
The pilgrimage application deadline previously extended by the authorities from December 12 to December 22 by ten days.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia removed the 65-year-old age restriction and reinstated Pakistan’s pre-coronavirus Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims.
Under the government’s normal arrangement, 89,605 Pakistanis anticipated to make the pilgrimage next year, each pilgrim will likely to pay Rs 1,075,000.
This year’s applications have decreased as well, even with the introduction of short-term Hajj facilities and a reduction in Hajj costs.
After refusing to accept pilgrims the previous year, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony forced to give back the over 20,000 quota to Saudi Arabia.
Different Packages
The government created long-term packages that cover 38 to 42 days and short-term packages that range 20 to 25 days in order to draw pilgrims.
For the first time, women able to go on the holy path alone, as they are no longer required to travel with a male companion.
In addition, the government will offer roaming internet packages along with free mobile SIMs.
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