Pakistan Announces Hajj Policy 2024 with Major Cost Reductions and Enhanced Facilities
In a pivotal announcement, Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Aniq Ahmed, unveiled the details of the highly anticipated Hajj Policy 2024. Crafted in collaboration with Saudi authorities, the policy introduces significant cost reductions and streamlined processes to make the sacred pilgrimage more accessible for Pakistani pilgrims.
Breaking from tradition, the government has reduced the Hajj package cost from 11,75,000 rupees to 10,75,000 rupees, marking a substantial decrease of 100,000 rupees. This move expected to benefit a broader spectrum of the population, allowing more citizens to partake in this religious journey.
Additionally, the policy offers flexibility with a shorter stay option in Medina, enabling pilgrims to tailor their experience. Opting for a four-day stay, as opposed to the customary eight, will result in an additional cost reduction of 30,000 to 35,000 rupees.
The application window for Hajj 2024 set to open from November 27 to December 12, urging potential pilgrims to submit their applications promptly for this transformative journey.
In a bid for transparency, the policy segregates the amount for sacrificial animals from the Hajj package. Pilgrims will contribute an additional 60,000 rupees for this purpose, ensuring clarity in financial transactions.
To enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, a dedicated mobile application will be provided to pilgrims, offering real-time connectivity and assistance. This technology aims to facilitate communication, even in areas with limited internet access, providing unlimited calls to Pakistan with a 7 GB internet package.
Female pilgrims will receive abayas adorned with the flag of Pakistan, symbolizing unity and national identity during their spiritual journey.
Sponsors will cover the costs associated with the dollar exchange rate, with their involvement carefully separated from the ballot for the Hajj package to ensure fairness in the selection process.
Responding to diverse needs, the policy introduces a short-duration Hajj option, allowing participants to complete their pilgrimage within 20 to 21 days.
Saudi Arabia has extended support through the Road to Mecca initiative, including cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, to enhance accessibility for Pakistani pilgrims.
In a final commitment, Pakistan has allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2024, reflecting the government’s dedication to facilitating a significant number of citizens in their sacred pilgrimage. The Hajj Policy 2024 poised to revolutionize the pilgrimage experience, offering financial relief, flexibility, and enhanced facilities for all participants.