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.
Deadline for Pakistanis to file Hajj applications under government scheme expires today
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Deadline for Pakistanis to file Hajj applications under government scheme expires today
- With 75,337 applications received by Tuesday, 14,268 slots remain vacant under government scheme
- Last year, Pakistan surrendered 21,000 Hajj seats to Saudi Arabia due to a shortage of applications
Pakistan showcases smart solutions, tech innovation at ITCN Asia expo in Lahore
- ITCN Asia is Pakistan’s largest information and communications technology exhibition and conference
- It highlights developments in cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, e-commerce and digital governance
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is showcasing its growing technology sector at the 27th edition of ITCN Asia at the Expo Center in Lahore, bringing together innovators, startups, investors and policymakers for one of the country’s premier technology exhibitions, Pakistani state media reported on Saturday.
ITCN Asia is Pakistan’s largest information and communications technology exhibition and conference, which is regularly held to highlight developments in fields including cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and digital governance.
The three-day event, which began on Saturday, focuses on networking, knowledge-sharing and lead generation, with conferences facilitating a learning environment for tech enthusiasts and professionals.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called ITCN Asia a “distinguished” global event showcasing tech advancement in Pakistan, the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“Pakistan’s use of cybersecurity has put the country on the forefront of technological advancement and strengthened global trust in our technology sector,” she was quoted as saying.
The exhibition features more than 850 booths, over 3,000 global brands, international delegates, investors and government leaders, according to the organizers.
Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) is showcasing electric vehicle and electronics assembly by global brands, including BYD, Samsung and Google at the exhibition.
The STZA has set up a national pavilion at the exhibition with facilitation from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), according to a statement issued by the cabinet division.
The move is part of Pakistan’s efforts to boost foreign investment in its technology sector as the country’s startups and software houses have attracted global interest in recent years. Pakistan’s IT exports rose by $180 million to $1,057 million during
July-September last year, compared with $877 million in the same period of 2024, according to the information technology ministry.
Pakistan’s technology sector is also advancing in AI and cloud computing, marked by the launch of Pakistan’s first sovereign AI cloud in November, designed to keep sensitive data domestic and support growth in the broader digital ecosystem.
