On Thursday, Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed unveiled the 2024 Hajjpolicy, announcing a shift towards digitalization. The upcoming Hajj willfeature a mobile application for Hajis, usable without internet, along withan arrangement for unlimited free call packages.
Minister Aneeq Ahmed highlighted that last year’s Hajj cost Rs1175000, butthis year’s is reduced to Rs1075000. Pilgrim residences in both Holy citiesare strategically located, and the cost of a sacrificial animal is notincluded in the original package.
Additionally, those opting for a short Hajj will need to pay an extraRs75,000.
The caretaker cabinet approved this groundbreaking policy, aiming tosurpass previous experiences and accommodate a large number of pilgrims.The ‘affordable’ package for the first phase is priced at 1075 thousandrupees.Ongoing discussions with airlines aim to secure minimum airfare, withsavings directed to pilgrims’ accounts.
The Ministry of IT played a crucial role in digitizing the Hajj process,introducing a dedicated app for Hajj 2024, providing a streamlinedexperience. Pilgrims will receive suitcases with QR codes through the app,and it offers 7GB of data internet for 40 days, allowing unlimited callswithin Pakistan.
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This digitalization aims to be a hassle-free communication breakthroughduring the pilgrimage. As a symbol of national pride, women will beprovided with abayas featuring the Pakistani flag, and small bags and Ihramwill be distributed to ease the pilgrimage process.
A never-before-seen short Hajj, spanning 20 to 21 days, has beenintroduced, offering a blend of tradition and technological innovation inthe Hajj 2024 policy.