ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Tuesday extended the deadline for submission of Hajj applications under the government scheme due to a low turnout, with only 40,175 applications received thus far.
Applications for Hajj will be accepted under both the government and sponsorship Hajj schemes.
Aneeq Ahmed, the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, stated that the deadline will be extended by 10 days, with the formal announcement scheduled for today.
The minister highlighted that the economic situation of the country has contributed to the decline in the number of Hajj applications.
In response to the limited number of applicants, authorities are exploring alternative measures to boost participation.
Despite efforts to reduce Hajj expenses and introduce short-term Hajj facilities, the number of applications has decreased this year as well.
In a separate development, Pakistan has eliminated the mandatory requirement of a Covid vaccination certificate for next year’s Hajj pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony made the announcement via its official Twitter handle, stating that the obligation to present a Covid vaccination certificate for Hajj pilgrims in 2024 has been abolished.
Last year, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony had to return almost 20,000 quotas to Saudi Arabia due to a drop in Hajj pilgrims.
