Pakistan is reportedly planning to continue its sponsorship scheme for Hajj in 2024, aiming to alleviate the financial burden associated with obtaining US dollars, according to ARY News sources. Under this scheme, the expenses for Hajj will be collected in local currency, and Pakistani citizens must possess a valid passport to participate.
Officials within the Pakistan Religious Ministry have indicated that approximately 10,000 individuals will have the opportunity to perform Hajj in 2024 under this sponsorship initiative, and participants will be exempt from the usual balloting process. Pakistan's Hajj 2024 quota is 179,201, with 50% allocated under the government's supervision and the remaining 50% managed through a private scheme.
Furthermore, there's a notable extension in the duration of Hajj for Pakistani citizens, as they can now embark on this religious journey for 20 to 25 days, marking a significant change in the policy.
The proposed Hajj 2024 policy has been submitted to the federal cabinet for consideration, and it is expected to receive approval in the near future, as claimed by the sources.
Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed, had previously announced that the Saudi Arabian government would provide additional facilities and enhanced services for Pakistani pilgrims during the Hajj in 2024.