Govt Extends Hajj 2024 Application Deadline for Govt Scheme

The Government of Pakistan has decided to extend the Hajj application deadline for the government sponsorship scheme once again due to slow response this year. As per a local media outlet, there have been only 3,161 applications received so far against a quota of 25,000.

According to the details, the deadline for Hajj applications under the government sponsorship scheme has been extended by 1 week. Previously, the government had extended the deadline for applications by 10 days from December 12 to 22.

Under the government’s Hajj Sponsorship Scheme, overseas Pakistanis can apply for Hajj or sponsor someone in Pakistan by paying in US Dollars without having to participate in the balloting process. However, the overall response for Hajj 2024 has been severely low.

Saudi Arabia had restored Pakistan’s pre-coronavirus Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and removed the upper age limit of 65 years to perform the pilgrimage. According to the details, the government’s regular scheme has also received just 63,000 applications despite a quota of 89,605.

The cost of Hajj 2024 has also been dropped to Rs. 1,075,000 per head, which has been significantly reduced. However, the slow response shows how inflation in the country has negatively impacted people’s affordability and ability to perform Hajj.