LAHORE – Designated banks will start receiving applications for the next year’s Hajj under government scheme from today (November 27).

Aspokesperson of Ministry of Religious Affairs in a statement said that the process will continue till December 12.

The applications can be submitted on a passport valid till 16 December 2024. Hajj application can also be processed on passport application token.

About 89605 Pakistanis will perform Hajj under the government scheme. Balloting will be conducted if more than the prescribed numbers of applications are received.

For the first time, women will have the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey without the traditional requirement of a male companion.

Furthermore, the government will allocate 25,000 seats on a first-come, first-served basis under the sponsorship scheme.

Cost for Hajj 2024

Earlier this month, Caretaker Minister for Religions Affairs Aneeq Ahmed has announced Hajj Policy 2024, reducing cost for pilgrims by Rs100,000.

He said the Hajj cost under the government scheme for 2024 has been reduced to Rs1,075,000 after a decrease of Rs100,000.

Aneeq Ahmed said that negotiations are being held with the airlines to get discount on ticket prices, adding that if the government succeeds in securing relief in the airfare, the amount will be transferred to the accounts of pilgrims.

He said the pilgrims will also get back Rs35,000 if they reduce their stay to four days in Madinah.