Islamabad, Jan 10: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced the reopening of Hajj applications for 5,000 pilgrims under the government Hajj scheme.
This initiative uses the remaining yearly quota, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The process has started and will end once all slots are filled.
The ministry aims to use all slots to avoid returning any quotas to Saudi Arabia.
A ministry spokesperson emphasized that this opportunity is exclusively for 5,000 applicants, with no flexibility for additional accommodations.
To ensure fairness, applications will be closed as soon as the quota is exhausted.
To facilitate the process, designated banks nationwide have been authorized to accept applications during working hours.
However, Applicants are required to deposit Rs600,000 in two installments along with their application forms. Additional charges, such as those for animal sacrifice or the option to book a private room, will be applied separately.
Given the high demand and the limited number of slots, the ministry is urging prospective pilgrims to act swiftly. Completing the necessary formalities early is crucial to secure a place under this scheme. The government has stressed the importance of prompt submissions, as any delays might result in missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The reopening of Hajj applications reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access for pilgrims while efficiently managing the available resources. For individuals aspiring to perform Hajj this year, the ministry advises careful preparation of all required documents and timely submission to avoid disappointment.
