Islamabad, The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced that the process of receiving applications for next year’s Hajj under the government scheme has commenced. Designated banks are currently accepting these applications, marking the beginning of the preparation period for one of the most significant religious pilgrimages in the Islamic calendar.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the application process will continue until the 12th of this month, giving prospective pilgrims a narrow window to submit their applications. It is crucial for applicants to note that the passport used for the application should be valid until at least 16th December 2024 to ensure eligibility for the Hajj journey.

Furthermore, the Ministry has provided an additional convenience for applicants. Those who do not have a valid passport at the moment can still submit their Hajj application using a passport application token. This measure is likely to facilitate a larger number of applicants who are in the process of renewing or obtaining their passports.

The Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place annually in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.