Islamabad, December 12, 2023 : Pakistan Extends Government Hajj Application Deadline Due to Low Submissions – Only 40,175 Received So Far.
Low applicant turnout prompts authorities to consider alternative measures for increased participation. Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed, announces a 10-day extension to the deadline, with a formal announcement expected today.
Hajj applications will be accepted for both government and sponsorship schemes. The minister noted a decline in the number of applications, attributing it to the country’s economic situation.
Despite reducing Hajj expenses and introducing short-term facilities, there’s still a decline in this year’s applications. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony returned nearly 20,000 quotas to Saudi Arabia following a decrease in Hajj pilgrims last year.
Additionally, Pakistan has removed the mandatory COVID vaccination certificate requirement for next year’s Hajj pilgrims.
READ MORE: https://thebizupdate.com/2023/11/16/hajj-2024-pakistan-introduces-mobile-app-for-pilgrims/
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on its official Twitter handle that the compulsory presentation of a Covid vaccination certificate for Hajj pilgrims in 2024 has been eliminated.
