In mild of a decrease-than-anticipated variety of Hajj packages, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has determined to increase the cut-off date for submission of applications and put off the Hajj fortunate draw. According to ministry sources, the deadline for receiving Hajj applications underneath the government Hajj scheme is in all likelihood to be prolonged with the aid of thirteen days. Initially scheduled for December 6, the Hajj fortunate draw is now proposed to take vicinity on December 19. So a ways, approximately fifty five,000 programs were submitted under the authorities Hajj scheme. The ministry hopes the extension will encourage more applicants to take gain of the possibility. The final statement concerning the extended cut-off date and revised draw is anticipated to be made day after today. Last week, the State Bank of Pakistan directed precise banks to remain open on Saturdays and Sundays till 2:30pm to facilitate the gathering of Hajj programs. According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the choice became taken at the ministry’s request to make certain uninterrupted submission of Hajj programs till the closing date of December three. Earlier in November, the government introduced a tremendous discount in Hajj airfares for 2025, imparting financial alleviation to pilgrims. Under the revised fares, every of the 89,605 pilgrims will pay Rs220,000 for air travel, Rs14,000 much less than the Rs234,000 charged final yr. This reduction of $50 in keeping with person in the costs will quantity to savings of Rs1.24 billion for the pilgrims. The lower in price tag fees comes due to negotiations among Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with PIA agreeing to decrease its fares for the second one consecutive yr. The choice will observe to different airlines, together with Saudi Arabia. After PIA, the ministry is also predicted to finalize offers with other private Pakistani airways, in addition to Saudi country wide airways, later this week. The department of journey arrangements will see 40% of pilgrims flying with PIA, another forty% with Saudi Airlines, and the last 20% with non-public Pakistani airlines.
