No extension in Hajj applications deadline: ministry

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony ruled out the possibility of extending the deadline for Hajj applications on Tuesday.

In an interview with APP, Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt urged prospective pilgrims to submit their Hajj applications and dues on time.

He stated that the ministry had received 44,621 Hajj applications through designated banks so far, giving a breakdown of the Hajj applications. He stated that the Government Hajj Scheme had received 40,313 applications, while the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme had received 4,308 applications.

He stated that designated banks remained open across the country to collect Hajj applications and dues in order to assist intending pilgrims over the weekend.

On Saturday, the ministry received a total of 4,468 Hajj applications, 3,960 under the Government Hajj Scheme and 508 under the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme, he said, adding that on Sunday, the ministry received a total of 2,679 Hajj applications, 2,371 under the Government Hajj Scheme and 308 under the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme.

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Butt stated that Meezan Bank had topped the list by collecting 9,142 Hajj applications to date, including 940 under the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme.

He stated that overseas Pakistanis could present a medical fitness certificate or a health certificate issued from abroad in the bank prior to their Hajj flight.

Those who had not yet received the coronavirus vaccine could also apply, he said.

“However, they will have received the full dose of the vaccine and will have submitted the certificate to the banks prior to their departure to Saudi Arabia.” “In addition to NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority), a foreign vaccine certificate will be accepted,” he stated.

He clarified that the person sending sponsorship did not have to be related to the pilgrim by blood. But, he added, it was critical to send the pilgrim’s name, Computerised National Identity Card number, and contact number along with the money.

According to other ministry officials, a Rs45,000 reduction in Hajj expenses under the Government Hajj Scheme was expected. The benefit would be transferred to pilgrims if the Pakistani currency did not fall further, according to the ministry.

They stated that the ministry was attempting to reduce the cost of the Hajj package while negotiating with the Saudi government.

According to them, the Government Hajj Scheme for the northern region would be reduced from Rs1,175,000 to Rs1,130,000, while the southern region would be reduced from Rs1,160,000 to Rs1,120,000.