ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Tuesday extended its deadline for the submission of Hajj applications till December 10, a religious affairs ministry official said, hoping to receive applications for the remaining 21,171 seats to complete the quota.
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, which would be divided equally between the government and private schemes. On Nov. 18, around 15 designated Pakistani banks started receiving applications for Hajj 2025 from the intending pilgrims.
The deadline to file Hajj applications was December 3 that has now been extended to receive more applications, according to the religious affairs ministry. All applications received till December 3 have been accepted, including the applications received through sponsorship scheme.
“We have received 68,434 applications so far which may increase till 12 midnight,” Umar Butt, a spokesperson for the religious affairs ministry, told Arab News.
Last year, Pakistan surrendered 21,000 Hajj seats to Saudi Arabia due to a shortage of applications, but this year the government is hopeful of achieving the required number of applications till December 10.
The religious affairs ministry last month announced the country’s Hajj 2025 policy, allowing pilgrims for the first time to pay Hajj fees in installments.
“The balloting will be held if the applications are received more than the allocated Hajj quota,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, adding the deadline for submission of Hajj applications had been extended keeping in view people of far-flung areas.
Under the government scheme, the first installment of Hajj dues, Rs200,000 ($717), must be deposited along with the Hajj application, while the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) has to be deposited within ten days of balloting. The remaining amount has to be deposited by Feb. 10 next year.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has launched the ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ mobile application to guide and facilitate pilgrims. The app is available for both Android and iPhone users.
The Pakistani government has also announced a reduction in airfares for Hajj 2025, with a Rs14,000 ($50) drop in ticket prices. Pilgrims enrolled in the federal program will now pay Rs220,000 for airfare, down from last year’s Rs234,000. The national flag carrier, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines and other private airlines have agreed to the relief package, according to the Pakistani government.
The religious affairs ministry has appealed to the overseas Pakistanis to deposit their sponsorship funds till December 10 to hold the slots.
“Hajj applications can be submitted through an online portal on the ministry’s website,” the ministry said. “Pilgrims have been requested to download the Pak Hajj mobile app for new instructions.”
Pakistan extends deadline for Hajj applications with over 21,000 seats still available
https://arab.news/8y7v8
Pakistan extends deadline for Hajj applications with over 21,000 seats still available
- Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for upcoming Hajj pilgrimage
- All applications received till Tuesday have been accepted without any draw, ministry says
Pakistan to discuss regional issues, economic ties at UAE summit this week
- Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to attend Sir Bani Yas Forum from Dec. 12-14, says Pakistan foreign office
- Senior statemen, policymakers expected to discuss security and economic cooperation at summit
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the Sir Bani Yas Forum in the UAE from Dec. 12-14 to discuss regional issues with world leaders and explore economic partnerships, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
The three-day summit features senior statesmen, policymakers and global experts from around the world with discussions likely to revolve around key regional and international issues such as peace, security and economic cooperation.
Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, attended the 15th edition of the Bani Yas Forum last year. He is attending this year’s summit at the invitation of his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign office said.
“During the Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will engage with international leaders and experts on matters related to regional stability, sustainable development, and the expansion of economic partnerships,” the statement said.
“He will also present Pakistan’s perspectives on promoting dialogue, addressing regional challenges, and fostering enhanced opportunities for economic cooperation.”
The Forum is expected to feature important discussions on Israel’s war in Gaza and the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.
Pakistan has consistently criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire in Gaza and has called on the international community to intervene and ensure the fragile agreement does not collapse.
Islamabad has also been eyeing economic partnerships with regional allies, particularly Gulf countries, at such global summits in recent months.
It has entered into economic, defense, trade and investment agreements with traditional allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Central Asian states in recent months.
