The eagerly awaited announcement of the Hajj Policy for 2024 faced an unexpected delay today as the press conference scheduled by the Minister of Religious Affairs was postponed.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs cited ongoing discussions and efforts to minimize the Hajj package cost as reasons for the delay.
Sources revealed that the Federal Cabinet had recently approved the Hajj Policy 2024, introducing several significant changes.
The policy appears to be more inclusive, reflecting public suggestions, and aims to provide a streamlined and efficient experience for pilgrims.
Among the notable changes, a shorter Hajj package lasting between 20 to 25 days has been introduced, offering greater flexibility to potential pilgrims.
Moreover, the sponsorship Hajj scheme for overseas Pakistanis will continue, and an exemption from the lottery system will be available for those who pay their Hajj expenses in dollars. This move is expected to facilitate a smoother process for overseas Pakistanis wishing to perform the pilgrimage.
One interesting development is the option for pilgrims to select a 4 to 8-day accommodation stay in Madinah. Additionally, pilgrims will receive bags adorned with the Pakistani flag, a QR code, and essential information for identification purposes.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is also set to launch a mobile app for online Hajj applications, simplifying the registration process and bringing it into the digital age.
Furthermore, the economy package, which was a popular choice among pilgrims in the past, will still be available and will span 40 days, providing a budget-friendly option for those wishing to undertake the holy journey.
In a bid to accommodate a higher number of pilgrims, the official Hajj scheme is expected to enable over 90,000 individuals to perform Hajj in 2024.
