The Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed, has announced the Hajj policy for 2024, making the pilgrimage more affordable and technologically advanced. The cost for next year’s Hajj is set at 1.075 million rupees, a significant reduction compared to the previous year’s 11,075,000 rupees.
To streamline the process, the minister highlighted the importance of digitization and introduced a new mobile application designed for seamless operation even in low-connectivity areas. In an effort to enhance efficiency, 90,000 pilgrims will receive suitcases with QR codes for better management.
Children under 10 years of age will now be allowed to perform Hajj, making the pilgrimage more accessible to families. Ongoing discussions with airlines aim to secure minimum airfare, with resulting savings allocated to pilgrims’ accounts. It’s important to note that the cost of a sacrificial animal is not included in the initial Hajj package.
The Ministry of IT played a significant role in digitizing the process, offering a dedicated app for Hajj 2024 that provides 7GB of data internet for 40 days, facilitating unlimited calls within Pakistan. Women undertaking the journey will receive abayas featuring the Pakistani flag, along with small bags and Ihram to simplify the pilgrimage process.
The Hajj application can be downloaded from the Religious Affairs Ministry website between November 27 and December 12. Minister Aneeq Ahmed credited caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and highlighted the support of the Saudi government in shaping the Hajj policy, aiming to redefine the pilgrimage experience with increased safety and communication through the use of mobile apps.
