Hajj 2024 cost to be reduced by another Rs 50,000. Aneeq Ahmad, the Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, has confirmed a substantial reduction in the cost of Hajj 2024.
Speaking to a private news media outlet on Tuesday, Minister Ahmad disclosed that the government had already cut the Hajj expenses by one hundred thousand rupees.
Furthermore, an additional reduction of Rs. 50,000 is expected in the coming days, with the refunded amount set to be deposited directly into the accounts of the pilgrims.
Highlighting the commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience, the minister reiterated the various facilities that will be extended to the pilgrims.
Notably, free mobile SIM cards equipped with internet roaming packages will be provided, and a new mobile application is in the works to offer navigation support during the religious journey.
The federal government had recently unveiled the details for Hajj 2024, introducing a short Hajj package for the first time. This innovative offering ensures completion within a streamlined 25-day itinerary.
The cost of the Short Hajj package is set at Rs. 1,140,000 for individuals hailing from the southern region, including Burewala, Bhakkar, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Jhang, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
For those in the northern areas such as Mansehra, Naran, Kaghan, Gilgit, Chilas, Passu, and Karimabad, the cost stands at Rs. 1,150,000.
For pilgrims opting for the regular Long Hajj package, the journey will extend up to 42 days, with eight days dedicated to Medina.
The federal government has also retained the Sponsorship Scheme, assuring overseas Pakistanis an opportunity to perform Hajj without resorting to a balloting system.
A spokesperson for the religious affairs ministry emphasized that overseas Pakistanis without a bank account can open an Asaan account upon their arrival in Pakistan.
This provision ensures that any reimbursements, if necessary due to changes in the Hajj cost, can be seamlessly facilitated. It is worth noting that a bank account is mandatory for those applying through the regular Hajj scheme within Pakistan.
The government has officially opened the application process for Hajj on November 27th, and prospective pilgrims have until December 12th to submit their applications.
As Hajj 2024 cost to be reduced by another Rs 50,000, these measures collectively reflect a concerted effort by the government to enhance accessibility, convenience, and affordability for individuals undertaking the sacred journey of Hajj in 2024.
