Pakistan introduces shorter Hajj scheme for first time

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed has said Pakistan was introducing a “short-term Hajj facility” for the first time in the nation’s history, allowing pilgrims a more concize and efficient experience, state-run news agency APP reported on Wednesday. 
Saudi Arabia last year restored Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and abolished the upper age limit of 65 years. More than 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims performed Hajj under the government scheme in 2023 while the rest used private tour operators.
Pakistan announced the results of a draw for Hajj 2024 in December 2023, with more than 63,000 applicants selected for the pilgrimage under the government scheme. Those remaining will apply for the pilgrimage through private tour operators.
“This year’s Hajj would be exemplary for Pakistani pilgrims, offering facilities that were not available in the past,” the religious affairs minister said. “For the first time in the country’s history, a short-term Hajj facility is being provided in Pakistan.”
Previously, the government Hajj scheme ran for 38-42 days, but a shorter package of up to 25 days will also now be available. 
Accommodation, meals, and transportation as well as all other basic necessities had been standardized for Hajj 2024, Ahmed said, and pilgrims would be able to use both trains and buses while in Saudi Arabia.
“Every pilgrim would be given a green suit-case containing a QR code to prevent any loss of belongings,” the minister said. “Hajj pilgrims would also be provided with a free SIM containing 180 international calling minutes and 7GB data to facilitate easy communication with their loved-ones.”
For the first time, women would get free abaya shrouds adorned with the Pakistani flag, “contributing to the country’s identity,” he said.
Hajj 2024 training workshops, educational training sessions designed by the government to educate pilgrims about the rituals and procedures of performing the pilgrimage, kicked off in Pakistan this week. 
Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, is expected to run from Jun 14-19 this year.