The Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalized arrangements with private Hajj organizations, marking the start of private Hajj bookings. According to officials, the booking process will officially begin on January 10, 2025.
This decision was made during an important meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain. The meeting included notable attendees such as Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, Secretary of Religious Affairs, and HOPE Chairman Nasir Khan. Discussions revolved around streamlining the private Hajj booking process and ensuring compliance with the regulations of both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi emphasized the importance of strictly following all applicable laws to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for pilgrims.
Government Efforts to Fill Quotas
Earlier, the government extended the deadline for submitting Hajj applications three times to meet its quota. However, despite these efforts, only 82,000 applications were received by the end of the third extension. To address this shortfall, the Ministry of Religious Affairs declared all applicants successful and is now exploring additional strategies, such as reopening applications or allocating the remaining 7,000 quotas to private operators.
With private bookings starting soon, those planning to perform Hajj are advised to act quickly to secure their spots. Ensure that you work with authorized Hajj operators and adhere to all official guidelines for a safe and fulfilling journey.
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