Another Drop In Hajj 2024 Cost For Pilgrims

The Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmad, has affirmed that the cost of Hajj 2024 will see further reduction. In an interview with a private news media outlet on Tuesday, the minister disclosed that the government had already lowered the Hajj cost by one hundred thousand rupees, and an additional reduction of Rs. 50,000 would be implemented in the coming days, with the amount to be refunded to the pilgrims’ accounts.

The minister reiterated the facilities for pilgrims during the religious journey, including free mobile SIM cards with internet roaming packages. He also mentioned the introduction of a new mobile application to assist pilgrims with navigation support.

Read more : Government Cuts Hajj 2024 Expenses, Ensures Top Facilities

The federal government recently unveiled details for Hajj 2024, introducing a Short Hajj package for the first time, ensuring completion within 25 days. The cost of the Short Hajj is Rs 1,140,000 for individuals from the southern region and Rs 1,150,000 for those from the northern areas.

For the regular Long Hajj package, the journey extends up to 42 days, with eight days in Medinah. The Sponsorship Scheme for overseas Pakistanis remains, and it is anticipated that no balloting will be required for those applying through this scheme.

Overseas Pakistanis without a bank account can open an Asaan account upon arrival in Pakistan for potential reimbursement due to changes in the Hajj cost, according to a spokesperson from the religious affairs ministry. A bank account is mandatory for those applying through the regular Hajj scheme within Pakistan.

It’s worth noting that the government will start accepting Hajj applications from November 27th, and the process will continue until December 12th.