The Ministry of Religious Affairs has once again extended the deadline for Hajj applications under the government scheme, marking the third extension due to a lukewarm response from the public. This extension provides additional opportunities for potential pilgrims to submit their applications and secure their spot for Hajj 2025.
Hajj 2025 Quota for Pakistan
For Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has allocated a total of 179,210 pilgrim quotas to Pakistan. Of this allocation, 89,605 slots are available for both government and private schemes. Despite the significant number of slots, the government has struggled to meet its quota.
Initial Deadlines and Current Status
The original deadline for submitting applications was set for December 3, which was later extended to December 10 and then December 17. Even with these extensions, the Ministry is still short by 5,000 applicants. To address this shortfall, the government has decided to accept additional applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hajj Training Sessions for Pilgrims
To ensure a smooth pilgrimage, the Ministry has planned two training sessions.
- The first session will be conducted from January 18 to February 26, 2025.
- The second session will take place after Ramadan, allowing pilgrims to prepare for the journey.
Challenges in Meeting the Quota
According to Omar Butt, spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, financial constraints are a significant factor preventing many individuals from applying under the government scheme. Additionally, residents in remote areas face challenges in submitting their applications.
Butt noted that other countries, such as India and Bangladesh, also encounter similar issues in reaching their quotas. He emphasized that both private tour operators and the government scheme are required to follow the guidelines set by the Saudi government.
First-Come, First-Served Basis for Applications
With the latest extension, the Ministry encourages interested individuals to act promptly and submit their applications. The government is making efforts to accommodate as many applicants as possible within the allocated quota.
Key Points for Applicants:
- Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Ensure all required documents are complete to avoid delays.
- Visit designated banks or the Ministry’s official website for application submissions.
The Ministry’s proactive measures aim to facilitate prospective pilgrims and ensure that Pakistan fully utilizes its Hajj quota for 2025.
