Government in a shock due to a poor response to Hajj applications under the sponsorship scheme as it was linked to full payment in foreign currency

ISLAMABAD: As the December 22 deadline for Haj applications approaches, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is trying to boost the involvement of the Pakistani diaspora as only 2,800 applications have been received for the sponsorship scheme.

To bolster foreign exchange reserves, the government has earmarked 25,000 seats in the sponsorship scheme.

Applicants paying their dues in dollars from abroad will secure spots without the need for a lottery system.

With such a meager response to the sponsorship scheme—despite 58,000 applications for the regular scheme—the Ministry of Religious Affairs has reached out to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to educate expatriates about the Hajj application process.

The ministry, collaborating with the interior and foreign ministries, plans to engage the Ministry of Information for additional assistance.

This initiative follows a recent extension of the Hajj application deadline by 10 days, stretching it from December 12 to 22.

Applicants can use passports valid until December 16, 2024, and even a passport application token to process their Haj applications.

An estimated 89,605 Pakistanis are anticipated to participate in Hajk under the government scheme, costing approximately Rs1,075,000—Rs100,000 less than the previous year.

The government has introduced varied packages spanning 20 to 25 days and 38 to 42 days. Notably, women will have the historic opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage without the customary requirement of a male companion.

Moreover, the government plans to provide complimentary mobile SIMs with roaming internet packages to Pakistani pilgrims.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan has secured 179,000 Haj seats, with half allotted to private Haj operators.