Good news for those aspiring to perform Hajj this year as the time for submitting applications is now near, reported 24News HD TV channel.
Quoting its sources, the channel reported that the submission of applications for performing pilgrimage under the government scheme would start by mid-November.
They further said that the federal cabinet was likely to approve the Hajj Policy for the year, 2024 in the beginning of November.
On people’s recommendations, several changes have been made to the policy this year.
For the first time in history, a Hajj package for a short period of time (20-25 days) has been introduced.
Sources added that the sponsorship Hajj scheme for overseas Pakistanis would continue this year as well.
Furthermore, they disclosed, since payment for Hajj expenses would be made in dollars; therefore, this time there would be no balloting.
Moreover, pilgrims would be given the choice to select any number of days, between 4 and 8, for stay in Medina.
The bags, which would be given to pilgrims this time, would bear image of Pakistan’s flag, QR code and other particulars.
Similarly, a mobile app would be introduced for filing applications online.
Sources revealed that as was the case in the past, this year too, the Economy Package would be for a period of 40 days.
Around 90,000 Pakistanis would be able to perform Hajj this year under the government scheme, they concluded.
Reporter: Usman Khan