The deadline for Hajj pilgrims to turn in their passports at their respective bank branches has been extended by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony till April 28, according to Radio Pakistan on Sunday.
The ministry also suggested that while staying at their houses, the pilgrims utilize the smartphone software “Saudi Visa Bio” for biometric verification.
فنگر پرنٹس سکین میں جلد/عمر/پیشہ یا معذوری کے باعث مسئلہ کی صورت میں سعودی ویزہ بائیو ایپ پر اپلوڈ کرنے کیلئے کمپیوٹرائزڈ میڈیکل سرٹیفکیٹ کا نمونہ #Saudi #Visa #Bio #App#Biometric pic.twitter.com/wIyQVGnSrE
— Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony (@MORAisbOfficial) April 22, 2023
The ministry encouraged Hajis to attend the closest Gerry’s Visa Centre between 2pm and 6pm in case of any issues.
The late minister for religious affairs, Mufti Abdul Shakoor, predicted last month that 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will complete the pilgrimage this year.
The cost of the pilgrimage is expected to be Rs. 1,175,000 in the northern region, which comprises Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sialkot, and Rs. 1,165,000 in the southern region.
Unveiling of Hajj 2023 rates
Pre-Hajj operations for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s flag carrier, will begin on May 21 and last through August 12 during which time 38,000 pilgrims would be brought to Saudi Arabia.
“Pre Hajj operation will commence from 1st Zilqad till 4th Zilhajj, 1444 corresponding to Gregorian date 21st May till 22nd June 2023 (subject to moon sighting),” according to PIA Hajj circular.
For the second consecutive year, the national flag carrier has decided to charge rates in US dollars. The fares for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia under the private pilgrimage plan have been set at $870 to $1180 for the Southern area, which comprises Karachi, Quetta, Sukkur, and Hyderabad.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony had previously resolved to reserve a 50% special quota in the Government Hajj Scheme-2023 for pilgrims who will pay in US dollars. This decision followed that decision.
The pilgrims from the northern region, on the other hand, paid between $910 and $1,220 for their flights. Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, and other cities are located in the northern region.
A comprehensive government-sponsored pilgrimage would cost Rs. 1.25 million.
Facilities for pilgrims
Ishaq Dar, the minister of finance, had promised that the government will offer the pilgrims planning to do the pilgrimage this year every facility available.
In the first week of the current month, the financial czar made the comments while presiding over a meeting in Islamabad to examine the status of the Hajj Scheme 2023.
“Hajj is a sacred religious obligation and the government will facilitate the Hujjaj in every possible manner,” he had said.
According to the government’s Hajj policy, the receipt of applications for the Hajj-2023 was stopped on December 31st, the religious affairs ministry secretary had informed the conference.
It was also reported that compared to the quota of 44,190 for the government’s normal plan, 72,869 applications had been received at the banks.
To read our blog on “Govt. decided to send all applicants on Hajj without a lottery,” click here.
