Govt extends deadline for Hajj applications

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has granted a 10-day extension for receiving applications from those intending to perform Hajj in the upcoming year under the government's auspices.

Individuals interested in participating in the pilgrimage through the government scheme can now apply until December 22. As per the ministry’s spokesperson, this extension is in response to public demand.

An advertisement posted on the ministry’s website informs overseas Pakistanis that they can cover the Hajj expenses for their loved ones using US dollars in dedicated bank accounts.

Sponsored pilgrims will be able to undertake Hajj without waiting for the official draw results; their applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Moreover, the ministry has lifted the restriction on performing Hajj-e-Badal. This year, individuals who performed Hajj five years ago will also be eligible to apply for the pilgrimage.

Read also: Private Hajj operators granted equal quotas

Hajj-e-Badal involves performing Hajj on behalf of someone who is unable to do so due to reasons such as illness, old age, or other valid circumstances.

In Islam, it is considered a noble act to perform Hajj on behalf of another person, often a deceased relative or someone physically incapable of undertaking the pilgrimage.

This year, solitary women who are part of a trustworthy group of female pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj without a mahram or male guardian.

Saudi Arabia has reinstated Pakistan’s pre-coronavirus Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for this year and has lifted the previous age limit of 65 years for pilgrimage.

Around 90,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to participate in Hajj under the government scheme, while an equal number will opt for private tour operators for the pilgrimage."