Following a decline in applications, Govt. has decided to extend the deadline for Hajj applications under the government program by ten days, according to Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed‘s announcement on Monday.
Ministry Extends the Hajj Applications Deadline by 10 Days
Under the official program, Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Ministry began accepting applications for the Hajj in 2024 on November 27 and set a deadline of December 12.
Under the government’s program, 89,605 Pakistanis allowed to do the yearly Islamic pilgrimage in 2024. The estimated cost of each pilgrimage is Rs1,075,000 [$3,769].
Speaking on behalf of the religious ministry, Muhammad Umer Butt told that, out of a quota of 89,605, just 34,000 applications have received thus far under the government and sponsorship schemes.
Hajj Scheme For Overseas Pakistanis
Through the “Sponsorship Scheme Hajj,” Pakistanis living abroad can apply for the pilgrimage or sponsor a person in Pakistan to make the pilgrimage by paying in US dollars.
“We are extending the duration for Hajj applications by 10 days, both for regular and sponsored applicants,” minister told reporters.
“Despite reducing the package by Rs. 100,000 ($351.92), we have received fewer applications, which is surprising but can attribute to the economic situation in the country.”
He stated that by negotiating lower airfares with airline firms, his ministry aims to significantly lessen the financial burden on pilgrims.
Statement
“Any reduction in price, even if it’s Rs 50,000 ($175.96) or more, will be given back to the pilgrims,” he declared, saying that his ministry has already able to lower airline ticket prices by $800 to $1,000.
He claimed that the religious ministry had initially raised awareness of the pilgrimage program using television advertising and CRBT.
“Despite these efforts, the response is low due to prevailing economic conditions,” he said.
“We are dedicated to providing more relief to the pilgrims, and we believe these efforts will yield positive results,” he said.
This Year Quota
Saudi Arabia abolished the 65-year-old age restriction and reinstated Pakistan’s pre-coronavirus Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year.
In 2023, about 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims completed the pilgrimage using government programs, with the remaining pilgrims used private trip companies.
To read our blog on “For Hajj applications, Banks to remain open on Sat and Sun,” click here.
