ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry on Sunday announced it had launched the “Pak Hajj 2025” mobile application to guide and facilitate pilgrims about the annual Islamic pilgrimage next year.
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. Around 15 designated Pakistani banks on Monday started receiving applications for Hajj 2025 from intending pilgrims.
Pakistani pilgrims used the app, which is available for both Android and iPhone, last year to secure important updates and information about the Hajj pilgrimage.
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched the mobile app ‘Pak Hajj’ for the awareness of Hajj pilgrims,” the religion ministry said in a statement.
“Hajj applicants will remain informed step-by-step through the Pak Hajj app.”
The ministry said pilgrims can view their Hajj training schedules, including dates, times, and locations, through the app, which also displays flight details with flight numbers, departure cities, dates, and times for both departure and return flights.
The app also presents information about Makkah and Madinah’s various locations and routes with the help of maps, the ministry said.
Pakistan’s religious affairs minister this month announced the country’s Hajj 2025 policy, according to which pilgrims can pay fees for the annual Islamic pilgrimage in installments for the first time.
The first installment of Hajj dues, amounting to Rs200,000 ($717), must be deposited along with the Hajj application under the government scheme, while the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) must be deposited within ten days of the balloting. The remaining amount must be deposited by Feb. 10 next year.
Pakistan’s religion ministry launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ app to facilitate pilgrims
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Pakistan’s religion ministry launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ app to facilitate pilgrims
- Pilgrims will be able to review Hajj training and flight schedules via app, says ministry
- Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2025
Pakistan to receive rain, snowfall this weekend after prolonged early-winter dry spell
- Met office forecasts precipitation across northern, western regions from Dec. 13–15
- Fog, landslide risks, road closures likely as temperatures drop, Met Department says
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to receive much-needed rain and snowfall this weekend after an extended early-winter dry spell, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Friday, citing the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
According to the Met Office, a shallow western disturbance entered the country’s western regions on Friday and is expected to bring light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in plains, along with snowfall over hilly areas, from Dec. 13 to 15.
The precipitation is expected to affect large parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, as well as parts of Balochistan and northern Punjab, offering relief to regions that have experienced unusually dry conditions during what is typically a wetter period.
“Light to moderate rain and thunderstorm accompanied by snowfall over the hills is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and Buner from December 13 to 15 with occasional gaps,” the PMD said, according to APP.
Similar weather conditions are forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, as well as parts of Azad Kashmir such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh and Haveli during the same period.
The Met Office said partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with light rain and snowfall are expected in parts of the former tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while areas of Balochistan including Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob and Chaman are also likely to be affected. Drizzle is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and the Potohar region, while Murree and the Galliyat may receive light rain and snowfall on Sunday and Monday.
From the night of Dec. 12-16, moderate to dense fog is likely to develop over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh, the PMD warned, cautioning that reduced visibility could disrupt traffic on highways and motorways.
Snowfall may lead to slippery roads and temporary closures in mountainous areas including Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Hunza, Skardu, Ziarat and Chaman, with a risk of landslides in vulnerable parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Tourists and travelers have been advised to remain cautious.
The Met Office said another western disturbance is likely to influence western and upper parts of the country from December 19, raising hopes that the prolonged dry spell may ease. Officials say the expected precipitation could help replenish water resources, support agriculture and reduce smog levels in urban centers.
