Minister Aneeq Ahmed’s announcement on Thursday marked the commencement of Hajj applications from November 27 to December 12, 2023. Emphasizing fairness, he assured a transparent balloting process to provide equal opportunities for all applicants. The unveiled Hajj Policy 2024 showcased historic measures aimed at enhancing pilgrim comfort.
Included in the provisions are complimentary essential items, such as a 30kg capacity travel bag with QR coding, a 7kg hand-carry bag, Pakistani flag scarves for women’s identification, Ahram belts for male pilgrims, and designated shoe bags. Notably, to improve connectivity, a mobile SIM with 7 GB data will be supplied for mandatory use during the stay in Saudi Arabia.
In a tech-savvy move, a dedicated mobile application, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology, will offer online and offline training, tracking, and guidance. Minister Aneeq highlighted the incorporation of Karachi airport into the Road to Makkah Project, streamlining the pilgrimage process. Additionally, a shorter Hajj package lasting 20 to 25 days was introduced, providing a more accessible option for prospective pilgrims. These comprehensive initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to facilitating a smoother and more inclusive Hajj experience.
