Islamabad, The Government of Pakistan has unveiled the Hajj Policy 2024, announcing a significant reduction in the Hajj package cost for each pilgrim by one hundred thousand rupees. Minister for Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed, detailed the new policy during a news conference in Islamabad, revealing that the cost under the government scheme has been lowered to 1,075,000 rupees for Hajj 2024, down from 1,175,000 rupees for this year’s Hajj.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, The minister affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the quality of Hajj arrangements, despite the reduction in expenses. He announced that Pakistan’s Hajj quota is set at 179,210, to be equally divided between the government and private Hajj schemes.

Aneeq Ahmed mentioned ongoing negotiations with airlines to secure reduced airfares for Hajj operations. He expressed hope that any relief obtained in airfares would be passed on to the pilgrims. Additionally, pilgrims opting for a shorter stay of four days instead of eight in Madina will receive a refund of 35,000 rupees.

A key feature of Hajj 2024 is its digitalization. Pilgrims will have access to a mobile application usable without internet, offering various options, including a complaint lodging system. The government will also provide several free items to the pilgrims, including a SIM card with 7 GB data, a suitcase with QR code, Ihram belts for men, Abaya for women, and shoe bags.

The process for Hajj applications will commence on the 27th of this month and continue until the 12th of next month, with an advertisement to be published soon. Additionally, the Road to Makkah project, previously exclusive to Islamabad airport, will now include Karachi, and there is a request to Saudi Arabia to add Lahore to the list as well.