THE federal government Thursday announced the Hajj Policy 2024 reducing the Hajj expenses by Rs 100,000 as compared to the last year. Giving salient features of the Hajj Policy-2024, Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmad said that scheduled banks would receive applications under the regular scheme from 27 November to 12 December. The Minister said that along with a long-duration Hajj package of 38 to 42 days, the government has also decided to introduce a short duration package of 20 to 25 days.
The Minister deserves appreciation for his proactive approach in early finalization of the policy that would not only enable the government to ensure proper arrangements for journey and stay of the intending pilgrims in the holy land but also afford opportunity to the applicants to plan in advance for the journey. Last year, Pakistan could not avail its full quota for Hajj because of a quantum jump in expenses and, therefore, the efforts of the Ministry to bring down expenses by one hundred thousand is, no doubt, an achievement but it is still beyond the capacity of the ordinary people to afford. Aneeq Ahmed said negotiations are continuing with the airlines to get reduced airfare for the Hajj operation. He pledged that if the Ministry succeeded in securing relief in the airfare, the amount will be transferred to the accounts of pilgrims. It is also strange that the cost of the short duration Hajj is more than the regular Hajj which has made it a privilege for the well-to-do only. The charges for sacrificial animals have also been increased to Rs. 60,000 and these might be subject to revision as they are linked to the dollar. Those who have performed Hajj in the last five years would not be eligible to submit applications. The decision is justified as it would offer more opportunities to those who have not yet been able to perform Hajj. However, a Mehram accompanying a woman who is performing Hajj for the first time and those apply as per sponsorship scheme would be exempted from the same restriction. Digitization of Hajj is also a welcome development and facilities like a SIM with seven GB data, a suitcase having QR code, Ihram belts for men, Abaya for women and shoe bags would go a long way in making the stay of the pilgrims more comfortable and secure.
