ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs might prolong the deadline for hajj applications in the sponsorship scheme by a week.
However, there are no plans to extend the applications for the regular scheme due to oversubscription of the quota.
As of now, only 3,161 applications have been submitted for the sponsorship scheme, far below the 25,000 quota.
The target is to receive 21,839 applications through this scheme, which allows hajj dues to be paid in US dollars and exempts applicants from a ballot.
The sponsorship scheme offers an avenue for hajj aspirants to partake in the sacred ceremony.
Meanwhile, over 63,000 applications have been received for the regular government hajj scheme, with just a day remaining for submissions. Selection for successful pilgrims in the regular scheme will be done through a ballot this year.
Earlier, the Ministry was in a shock after observing less than anticipated response to 2024 Hajj schemes.
As the December 22 deadline for Haj applications approaches, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony was 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.
