Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony announced that Hajj applications will be received from 15th to 25th January for Hajj 2018.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf revealed the Hajj policy, revealing the detailed quota, costs and other aspects for the next year in Islamabad. According to the Minister:
- A quota of 179,210 has been allotted for Pakistan.
- 120,000 people will perform Hajj from government quota while remaining will be managed by private travel operators.
- Cost of government package will remain same as last year, only an additional Rs. 13,050 will be required for qurbani (animal sacrifice).
- Hajj Cost for northern region is Rs. 280,000 and for southern region is Rs. 270,000
- Government has decided to keep a special quota of 10,000 for applicants aged over 80 years and attendant who will accompany them.
- Duration of the Hajj will be reduced to 30 days, during previous years the duration was 38 days.
- Shia women aged over 45 can perform Hajj without any attendant (Mehram), while all other women need an accompanying man to perform the religious pilgrimage.
- Additional 10,000 quota have been reserved for those who were not selected in the last three lucky draws.
- Applicants are required to have a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), medical certificate and a valid Pakistani passport.
December 28, 2017