The Ministry for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, led by Minister Aneeq Ahmed, unveiled the crucial details regarding the Hajj application process for the year 2024 during a press conference in Islamabad.
Commencing from November 27 to December 12, 2023, the Hajj applications are set to open, marking the initiation of the selection process for pilgrims. Minister Aneeq assured the public of a fair and transparent balloting system, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants in the selection process.
Highlighting the Hajj Policy 2024, Minister Aneeq emphasized the historic steps taken to enhance the comfort of pilgrims. Notably, a set of essential items including a large travel bag with QR coding (capacity: 30 kg), a hand-carry bag (capacity: 7 kg), Pakistani flag scarves for women’s identification, Ahram belts for male pilgrims, and designated shoe bags will be provided to pilgrims free of charge.
To improve connectivity, a mobile SIM with 7 GB data will be supplied for mandatory use during the stay in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Minister Aneeq announced the incorporation of Karachi airport into the Road to Makkah Project, introducing a shorter Hajj package spanning 20 to 25 days.
Regarding accommodation in Makkah, the ministry aims to provide separate two-bed and three-bedroom facilities, subject to availability, with additional charges for families.
The allocated Hajj quota for 2024 stands at 179,210, ensuring a balanced distribution ratio of 50 percent each for public and private Hajj schemes, with 89,605 seats for each scheme. The government Hajj scheme will reserve 25,000 seats for sponsorship, while half of the private scheme’s total quota, 44,803 seats, will be allocated for sponsorship.
Eligibility criteria were clarified by Minister Aneeq, specifying that individuals who performed Hajj from 2017 to 2023 would not be eligible for the upcoming Hajj season.
Additionally, the government sponsorship scheme will be based on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, exempted from the balloting process. Women can apply for Hajj without a ‘Mahram’ provided they submit an affidavit with permission from parents or husbands and assure safe travel.
The ministry also announced comprehensive training for pilgrims and the deployment of welfare staff comprising Medical Mission/Hajj Assistants aligned with Saudi teachings. Monitoring teams will be stationed in Saudi Arabia to promptly address any concerns or complaints raised by pilgrims.
