Islamabad: In response to a lower-than-expected response with only 40,175 applications received, Pakistan has decided to extend the Hajj applications deadline under the government scheme.
Aneeq Ahmed, the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, announced the extension, providing an additional 10 days for interested individuals to apply for both government and sponsorship Hajj schemes.
The decision to extend the Hajj applications deadline comes as authorities grapple with the challenge of increasing participation in the pilgrimage, given the unexpectedly low turnout. Minister Ahmed acknowledged the impact of the country’s economic situation on the decline in Hajj applications, despite efforts to minimize expenses and introduce short-term Hajj facilities.
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This year’s decrease in applications follows the return of almost 20,000 Hajj quotas to Saudi Arabia last year due to a drop in pilgrims, highlighting the ongoing challenges in facilitating the pilgrimage.
In a related development, Pakistan has also lifted the mandatory requirement for a Covid vaccination certificate for next year’s Hajj pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony shared the decision on its official Twitter handle, stating that the obligation to present a Covid vaccination certificate for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage has been eliminated. This move aims to streamline the application process and make it more accessible for prospective pilgrims.
