ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to introduce a short Hajj option for Pakistani pilgrims. This decision was made following a Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs meeting chaired by Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Hyderi, a leader of JUIF.
Under this new arrangement, the short Hajj will last 18 to 20 days. It will be optional for the intending pilgrims in 2024.
The committee chairman, nevertheless, suggested that the duration of this Hajj should range from 18 to 30 days. The caretaker minister Aneeq Ahmed noted that this proposal would be thoroughly examined.
Additionally, Saudi Arabian authorities have directed a significant reduction in the number of companies from 905 to 46.
Minister Aneeq Ahmed discussed pilgrimage arrangements for the upcoming year with the Saudi Minister, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, during his week-long visit to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Pakistan government is in partnership with Saudi Arabia to implement new packages for the upcoming annual pilgrimage.
During this year’s pilgrimage, more than 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims participated through the government’s program.
Meanwhile, remaining portion of the allotted quota of 179,210 pilgrims opted for private tour operators. Under the government’s program, Pakistani pilgrims are currently required to spend 40 days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed said that the government is planning to introduce shorter time frames for 2024.”
Aneeq further elaborated that the ministry intends to introduce suitcases equipped with QR codes and specially designed scarves for women.
These measures are aimed at facilitating the identification of Pakistani pilgrims during the pilgrimage. The new Hajj package will facilitate thousands of Pakistani pilgrims who want to perform Hajj with this affordable package. The new timeline for Hajj also seems to be attractive for the pilgrims who intend to perform Hajj in 2024.
