With the deadline for Hajj 2024 applications looming, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is grappling with a shockingly low response to its sponsorship scheme.

Concerns are escalating as a mere 2,800 applications have been received, leaving 22,200 seats vacant in the government's bid to attract foreign exchange.

In a move to salvage the situation, the Ministry has sought assistance from various quarters, reaching out to overseas Pakistanis and enlisting the help of the Ministry of Information.

The sponsorship scheme, which offers 25,000 seats with a unique provision for those paying in dollars to bypass the ballotting process, has fallen significantly short of expectations.

Despite the extension of the application deadline by 10 days, from December 12 to 22, the response remains lackluster. In an effort to boost awareness, the Ministry has initiated a campaign to educate overseas Pakistanis about the application filing process, recognizing the need for urgent intervention.

Among the staggering 58,000 applications received under the regular scheme, the Ministry remains focused on engaging the Pakistani diaspora, emphasizing the unique opportunity to contribute to the national reserves and, simultaneously, fulfill a sacred obligation.

Short Hajj

Meanwhile, in an unprecedented move, the government has introduced both long and short-term packages for the pilgrimage, spanning 38 to 42 days and 20 to 25 days, respectively. The cost for the Hajj journey is projected to be Rs1,075,000, representing a significant reduction of Rs100,000 from the previous year.

In a historic development, women are being offered the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey without the traditional requirement of a male companion. The government is committed to fostering inclusivity and empowering women to partake in this religious obligation independently.

Additionally, to facilitate communication for the pilgrims, the government will provide free-of-cost mobile SIMs with roaming internet packages, ensuring connectivity throughout the journey.

It is crucial to note that Pakistan has secured 179,000 Hajj seats, with half reserved for private Haj operators. As the nation awaits the culmination of the application process, the government remains hopeful that its outreach efforts will inspire a surge in applications, ensuring a more robust representation of the Pakistani diaspora in the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage.