ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to extend the deadline for Hajj applications under the government scheme by 10 days after receiving fewer applications, Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed said on Monday.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry invited Hajj 2024 applications under the government’s scheme from Nov. 27 and had fixed the deadline on Dec. 12.
The yearly Islamic pilgrimage is scheduled to cost Rs1,075,000 [$3,769] per individual, with 89,605 Pakistanis fulfilling the quota under the government’s program.
There are 89,605 quotas, but only 34,000 applications have been received under the government and sponsorship systems thus far, according to Religious Ministry spokeswoman Muhammad Umer Butt, who talked with Arab News. By paying in US dollars, Pakistanis living abroad can apply for the Hajj or sponsor a relative to make the pilgrimage.
“We are extending the duration for Hajj applications by 10 days, both for regular and sponsored applicants,” Ahmed told reporters.
“Despite reducing the Hajj package by Rs. 100,000 ($351.92), we have received fewer applications, which is surprising but can be attributed to the economic situation in the country.”
