The Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that the government has started to accept applications for the Hajj.
Applications will be accepted nationally through 15 authorised banks, according to a statement from the government. Applications for the government Hajj programme can be submitted from November 27 to December 12.
According to the ministry, 89,605 Pakistani nationals are anticipated to travel to Hajj under the government-sponsored programme in 2019.
Notably, this is a historic occasion since it is the first time that women are permitted to do the Hajj without a mahram. If more applications are received than the designated quota, the lucky participants will be chosen by drawing.
For the sponsorship programme, a quota of 25,000 has been reserved; applications from outside the country must be made using US dollars. Those who apply through this technique, or their family members, will not be included in the drawing, guaranteeing them a position.
In order to qualify for the government-backed Hajj programme, candidates need to make sure their National Identity Card is still valid through December 2024.
