By The Ministry of Religious Affairs has unveiled the Hajj policy for 2024, aiming to transform the pilgrimage experience for Pakistani pilgrims. Caretaker Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed announced this policy, which is set to be presented to the cabinet for approval in the next 10 days. It brings several innovative changes to ensure a more comfortable and connected journey for Hajj pilgrims.
Minister Aneeq Ahmed, along with Mufti Abdul Shakoor, held discussions to provide maximum facilitation to pilgrims for a blessed and peaceful Hajj event.
One significant change is the introduction of a short Hajj option, giving pilgrims the choice of a more condensed pilgrimage lasting between 18 to 30 days. Minister Aneeq Ahmed emphasized that this flexibility would empower pilgrims to customize their journey according to their preferences.
In addition, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy for 2023, with a foreign exchange cover of $90 million allocated. The quota of 179,210 pilgrims will be distributed equally between government and private Hajj schemes. A 50:50 ratio will be maintained, with half of the quota reserved for sponsorship schemes. For the year 2023, the tentative Hajj Package is set at PKR 1,175,000/- for the Northern region and PKR 1,165,000/- for the South Region.
Saudi Arabia has also reinstated Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and removed the upper age limit of 65.
The government expects to start receiving Hajj applications from March 13, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs has proactively introduced these Hajj arrangements in advance.
The duration of the Hajj will be 18 to 20 days, with pilgrims having the option to choose a shorter Hajj lasting from 18 to 30 days. Additionally, the Saudi government has offered official residences to Pakistani pilgrims. These measures aim to enhance the Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims in the coming years.
