According to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the Ministry of Religious Affairs got 72,869 applications under the regular Hajj scheme, compared to this year’s quota of 44,190.
The federal government has resolved to accept all applications and send all 72,869 applicants on Hajj without balloting, according to the Finance Minister.
The choice was made in response to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive and the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ recommendation.
The Finance Minister also stated that the Ministry of Religious Affairs will need extra resources, including foreign exchange, to send more pilgrims than the regular scheme’s fixed quota.
Mufti Abdul Shakoor, Minister of Religious Affairs, stated that the entire globe is in a financial crisis, and Pakistan is no exception.
The Ministary of Religious Affairs extended the deadline for submitting applications under the sponsorship plan until 7 April on March 31. Tomorrow is the deadline for submitting the applications under the sponsorship plan.
| Hajj 2023 | Original quota | Applications received |
| Pakistan | 179,210 | – |
| Regular Hajj Scheme | 43,000 | 30,000 |
| SponsorshipHajj Scheme | 46,000 | 6,000 |
| Private Hajj Scheme | 89,605 | – |
| Total | 36,000 |
The Ministry of Religious Affairs requested an additional $235 million from the Ministry of Finance to send pilgrims.
This year’s overall allotment for Pakistan’s official plan is 79,605.
Sponsorship Hajj Program
Only 6,000 were given out of a total of 43,000 under the sponsorship plan.
In the normal plan, over 30,000 applications were received against a quota of 43,000.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, if funds are available, all ordinary scheme pilgrims might be transported to Hajj without balloting, but $235 million is required.
The Ministry further stated that if the required quantity of money is not obtained, balloting for the normal plan will take place on Wednesday.
To read our blog on “Hajj fares announced by PIA for the year 2023,” click here
