Pakistani Muslims aspiring for Hajj next year have a reason to rejoice as the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced a landmark update: no more mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for pilgrims.
This news throws open the doors for a full-fledged Hajj experience in 2024, marking a significant return to normalcy after pandemic restrictions.
The Saudi authorities, having lifted major curbs this year, welcomed a record 2 million pilgrims to Mecca.
Pakistani pilgrims can now register for Hajj 2024 under the government scheme through December 12.
The process is simple, requiring only a valid passport (until December 16, 2024) or even a passport application token.
Here's what you need to know:
- Vaccine-free Hajj: You can finally perform Hajj without worrying about vaccination certificates.
- Open registration: Apply on the Ministry's website before December 12.
- Passport flexibility: Use your valid passport (valid till December 16, 2024) or even a passport application token.
- Government quota: Around 89,605 Pakistani pilgrims will be selected under the government scheme.
- Fair balloting: If applications exceed the quota, a transparent balloting system will decide.
- Women's empowerment: In a historic move, women can now perform Hajj independently, without a male companion.
- Sponsorship scheme: 25,000 seats are reserved for the sponsorship scheme, filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
