Govt reduces Hajj expenses by Rs100,000. The Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed, has unveiled the much-anticipated Hajj Policy 2024, bringing forth a series of strategic measures to streamline the pilgrimage experience for Pakistani nationals.
According to a report by The News on Friday, Ahmed announced a noteworthy reduction in the expenses associated with the holy journey, slashing costs by Rs100,000 compared to the preceding year.
During the policy presentation, Ahmed highlighted key features, including the opening of the application window for the regular scheme, set to run from November 27 to December 12 through scheduled banks.
One of the pivotal changes is the introduction of two distinct Haj packages – a long-duration option spanning 38 to 42 days and a shorter 20 to 25-day alternative.
The government has demonstrated a commitment to affordability, as the cost under the official scheme has been curtailed to Rs1,075,000 for the upcoming Haj season.
Despite this reduction, Ahmed assured the public that there would be no compromise on the quality of arrangements, underscoring the government’s dedication to ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience.
Under the new policy, a short-duration package incurs an additional Rs75,000, bringing the total to Rs1,150,000.
Furthermore, the minister detailed that Haj expenses for applicants from the southern region of Pakistan would amount to Rs1,065,000, with an extra Rs75,000 for those opting for the short-duration package. Additionally, a nominal fee of Rs60,000 would be charged for sacrificial animals.
Addressing the Haj quota for Pakistan, Ahmed disclosed that it stands at 17,9210, to be equitably divided between the government and private Haj operators.
Negotiations with airlines are currently underway to secure reduced airfare for the operation, with any savings intended to be directly transferred to the accounts of pilgrims.
In a bid to accommodate diverse preferences, the government is offering flexibility for pilgrims choosing a shorter stay in Madina.
Those opting for a four-day stay, as opposed to the standard eight days, stand to receive a refund of Rs35,000.
In a progressive move, the Haj Policy 2024 grants permission to women without a mahram to apply for Haj, following the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology.
However, such women must obtain permission from their parents or husbands, with the condition that they select a group comprising trustworthy individuals.
Certain eligibility criteria have been established, with individuals who have performed Haj in the last five years deemed ineligible to submit applications.
Notably, exemptions to this rule include Mehram accompanying a woman on her first Haj and applicants falling under the sponsorship scheme.
Both the government’s regular scheme and the private scheme will each have a quota of 89,605.
A separate quota of 25,000 has been allocated for the sponsorship scheme under the government initiative, while 50% of the private scheme will be reserved for the same purpose.
Embracing digitalization, the Haj 2024 pilgrimage process will witness the introduction of a mobile application, designed for use without internet access. This application will offer various features, including a platform for pilgrims to lodge complaints.
Pilgrims are set to benefit from an array of free-of-cost services, including a SIM card with seven GB of data, a suitcase with a QR code, Ihram belts for men, an abaya for women, and shoe bags.
Additionally, the Road to Makkah project, encompassing immigration, security, and customs checks before departure, has been extended to Karachi, with a request pending for Lahore’s inclusion.
As Govt reduces Hajj expenses by Rs100,000, the comprehensive measures outlined in the Haj Policy 2024 aim not only to reduce financial burdens on pilgrims but also to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience through technological integration and thoughtful accommodations for various needs and preferences.
