ISLAMABAD: More than 16,000 pilgrims have chosen the government’s new short duration Hajj package, state-run media said on Wednesday, an option that allows believers to complete the journey in up to 30 days.
Previously, the government Hajj scheme ran for 38-42 days, but a shorter package of 25-30 days has been made available for the first time this year.
Hajj 2024 is expected to take place from June 14-19, coinciding with the peak of sweltering summer temperatures in the region and raising concerns about the well-being of millions of pilgrims gathering in Makkah from around the world.
“Over 16,000 intending pilgrims have chosen a short Hajj package introduced by the government this year,” state-run Radio Pakistan said, quoting Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro. “The package is a gift for the busy people who intend to perform Hajj in a short duration.”
Soomro said numerous steps were being taken to facilitate pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia, with space for pilgrims acquired timely in Mina and a train service made available to transport them to Mashayer.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year. Of them, 63,805 pilgrims will be performing the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the rest will be accommodated by private tour operators, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry.
Around 40,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims have so far arrived in Madinah and Makkah through 164 flights under the government scheme. The number of pilgrims who arrived under the private scheme stands at 5,500.
As many as 114 flights will be transporting another 34,422 Pakistanis to Jeddah till June 9.
This year, Pakistan is also due to send 550 Hajj assistants and 400 doctors and paramedical staff to Saudi Arabia to ensure that the pilgrimage process, including food, transportation and accommodation, is managed efficiently.
Over 16,000 Pakistani pilgrims opt for government’s new shorter duration Hajj package
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Over 16,000 Pakistani pilgrims opt for government’s new shorter duration Hajj package
- Government Hajj scheme previously ran for 38-42 days, now shorter deal of up to 30 days also available
- Pakistan’s Hajj 2024 quota is 179,210 pilgrims of which 63,805 pilgrims will use the government scheme
Pakistan U19 pull off last-wicket win against Afghanistan in Zimbabwe tri-series
- Pakistan chased 227 with three balls to spare after a shaky start marked by regular fall of wickets
- Hamza Zahoor’s unbeaten 68 and Usman Khan’s four-wicket haul sealed Pakistan’s thrilling victory
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 clinched a tense one-wicket victory over Afghanistan in a tri-series match on Saturday, chasing down a target of 227 with three balls to spare at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.
The win was anchored by an unbeaten half-century from Hamza Zahoor, whose 68 not out off 51 balls guided Pakistan home after a dramatic collapse left them nine wickets down and still 26 runs short.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 226 in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat, with Osman Sadat top-scoring with a patient 75 from 106 deliveries, while Mahboob Khan added 49. Pakistan seamer Usman Khan led the bowling effort with four wickets for 37 runs.
"Pakistan U19 seal a thrilling contest in Harare by 1 wicket," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced in a social media post.
"Captain Farhan Yousaf scored a composed 65, before Hamza Zahoor's brilliant unbeaten 68 guided Pakistan home," it added.
Pakistan’s chase faltered early as wickets fell at regular intervals, before captain Yousaf steadied the innings with a knock that included six fours and two sixes, keeping the pursuit on track.
With Pakistan slipping to 201 for nine, Zahoor held his nerve in the closing stages, finding brief support from lower-order batters before adding an unbroken 29-run stand for the final wicket with Niqab Shafiq, who finished unbeaten on one.
Zahoor struck eight fours and a six during his innings, counter-attacking confidently as Afghanistan pressed for the final wicket.
Despite Zahoor’s match-winning innings, Usman Khan was named Player of the Match for his four-wicket haul earlier in the day.
Pakistan entered the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai earlier this month.
The PCB has said the players are using the tri-series as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pakistan will next face hosts Zimbabwe on Monday at Prince Edward School in Harare.
