Expensive Hajj leads to fewer applications as deadline looms

Less number of applications for Hajj, an annual religious obligation, have been received this year due to marked increase in costs, while the Ministry of Religious Affairs has said there would be no extension in the deadline which is going to expire today, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.  

Only 43, 554 applications have been received this year through banks in the last four days against the total quota of 81, 132 pilgrims allocated for this year, 2022.     

Hajj at government expenses is expected to cost between Rs0.750 million and Rs1 million or more while the cost of private Hajj is expected to exceed Rs1.2 million. 

This year 40 per cent of pilgrims will perform Hajj at government expenses while 60 per cent on their own.  

The religious affairs ministry has directed the applicants to get their documents verified by logging on to its website. 

It has also directed them to attach the certificate of receiving complete dose of the coronavirus vaccine along with their applications.  

Furthermore, the ministry has asked them to attach with their applications their passports, health fitness certificates, three photographs and Rs50, 000 as a token.   

Reporter: Gauhar Mehsud