Applications for the government-sponsored Hajj program for the upcoming year will begin to arrive at designated banks today, November 27.
The process will last until December 12, according to a statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ spokeswoman. Applications may be filed using a passport that is valid through December 16, 2024. The passport application token can also be used to process Hajj applications.
89605 Pakistanis are expected to undertake the Hajj as part of the government program. If more applications are received than the predetermined number, balloting will take place.
Women will be able to travel on the holy path alone for the first time, breaking the custom of needing a male companion. In addition, under the sponsorship program, the government would assign 25,000 seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Aneeq Ahmed, the caretaker minister for religious affairs, unveiled the Hajj Policy 2024 earlier this month, which will lower pilgrims’ expenses by Rs 100,000.
He claimed that with a reduction of Rs100,000, the Hajj fee under the government program for 2024 has dropped to Rs1,075,000.
According to Aneeq Ahmed, talks are underway with airlines to obtain a discount on ticket costs.
He also mentioned that pilgrims’ accounts will receive the money if the government is successful in obtaining a reduction in airfare. If the pilgrims shorten their stay in Madinah to four days, he claimed, they will also receive a reimbursement of Rs. 35,000.
