Deadline for Pakistanis to file Hajj applications under government scheme expires today

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for Pakistanis to submit applications to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage next year under the federal government scheme expires today, Tuesday, with over 75,000 submissions received.
The government last week extended the deadline for the submission of Hajj applications from Dec. 3 to Dec. 10. Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj, to be divided equally between the government and private schemes.
With 75,337 Hajj applications received so far, 14,268 slots remain vacant under the government scheme as the deadline is due to expire today. Last year, Pakistan surrendered 21,000 Hajj seats to Saudi Arabia due to a shortage of applications, but this year the government hopes all slots can be filled.
“Designated banks will continue to receive Hajj applications today,” the Pakistan religious affairs ministry said on Tuesday.
“Application can be submitted to the nearest bank with the first installment of Rs200,000.”
Hajj applications opened on Nov. 18, with around 15 Pakistani banks designated to receive submissions from intending pilgrims.
The religious affairs ministry announced this year’s Hajj policy last month, allowing pilgrims to pay Hajj fees in installments for the first time. The first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) must be deposited along with the application while the second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) has to be submitted 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 Pakistan government.