ISLAMABAD: The ministry of religious affairs said on Monday applications for next year’s Hajj would open today and continue until December 12 for those applying under the government scheme.
Around 89,605 Pakistanis will perform Hajj under the government scheme next year. Religious affairs minister Aneeq Ahmed unveiled Pakistan’s Hajj Policy 2024 earlier this month, announcing that the cost of the Hajj package under the government scheme had been reduced by Rs100,000 ($347.92).
Saudi Arabia has restored Pakistan’s pre-coronavirus Hajj ratio of 179,210 pilgrims and also lifted the upper age limit of 65 years to perform the pilgrimage. More than 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims performed Hajj under the government scheme in 2023 while the rest used private tour operators.
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2024.
“Receipt of applications for Hajj 2024 will start from today,” a spokesperson for the religious affairs ministry said. “Acceptance of Hajj applications in 15 designated banks under the Government Hajj Scheme will continue till December 12.”
“If more than the prescribed number of applications [89,605] are received, a draw will be held,” the ministry added. “Women will be able to perform Hajj without Muharram for the first time.”
Pakistan has said it is negotiating with airlines to reduce airfares for Hajj flights and was in talks with a mobile company to “digitize” Hajj 2024 through a cellphone app.
Religious Affairs Minister Ahmed announced this month Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi had also been included in the Makkah Route initiative for Hajj 2024, and Pakistan had requested the Saudi government to include Lahore in the project as well.
The Makkah Route Initiative provides pilgrims with the convenience of completing their immigration procedures at their home countries’ airports.
