Pakistan Extends Deadline for Hajj 2024 Applications

Pakistan has decided to extend the deadline for the submission of Hajj 2024 applications through the government scheme due to a relatively low turnout, with only 40,175 applications received thus far. In response to this, authorities are actively seeking alternative measures to boost participation.

Aneeq Ahmed, the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, confirmed that the deadline extension would be for an additional 10 days, with a formal announcement slated for today. The acceptance of Hajj 2024 applications will be applicable to both the government and sponsorship Hajj schemes. The minister attributed the decrease in applications to the country’s economic conditions, despite efforts to reduce Hajj expenses and introduce shorter-term Hajj facilities.

Despite these initiatives, there has been a continued decline in the number of applications this year. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony had to return almost 20,000 quotas to Saudi Arabia last year due to a drop in Hajj pilgrims.

In a separate development, Pakistan has decided to eliminate the mandatory requirement for a Covid vaccination certificate for next year’s Hajj pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony made this announcement through its official Twitter handle, stating that the obligation to present a Covid vaccination certificate for Hajj pilgrims in 2024 has been abolished.