The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially begun accepting applications for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, signaling a historic moment as women are now permitted to undertake the sacred journey without a mahram for the first time.
The application process, announced by the government, will run from November 27 to December 12, providing a two-week window for aspiring pilgrims to submit their applications. Applications will be processed through 15 designated banks nationwide, streamlining the procedure for the convenience of applicants.
According to the ministry’s statement, a projected 89,605 Pakistani citizens are anticipated to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage next year through the government-sponsored program. To ensure a fair selection process, in case of an overflow of applications, a draw will be conducted to determine the fortunate participants.
In a bid to facilitate the pilgrimage for overseas Pakistanis, a specific quota of 25,000 has been allocated for the sponsorship scheme, where applications must be submitted in US dollars. Remarkably, participants applying through this scheme, or their relatives, will be exempt from the draw, guaranteeing them a spot in the pilgrimage.
Applicants are reminded to verify the validity of their National Identity Card, which must remain in force until December 2024 to be eligible for the government-sponsored Hajj scheme. This critical requirement ensures that selected individuals are prepared for the spiritual journey and adhere to the necessary documentation guidelines.
As the nation embraces this inclusive approach to the Hajj pilgrimage, the government aims to make the sacred journey accessible to a broader spectrum of the population, marking a significant step towards equality and inclusivity in religious practices.
