{"id":34696,"date":"2023-12-12T20:09:07","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T20:09:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/govt-extends-deadline-for-hajj-applications-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-12-12T20:09:07","modified_gmt":"2023-12-12T20:09:07","slug":"govt-extends-deadline-for-hajj-applications-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/govt-extends-deadline-for-hajj-applications-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Govt extends deadline for Hajj applications | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\nISLAMABAD:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has granted a 10-day extension for receiving applications from those intending to perform Hajj in the upcoming year under the government’s auspices.<\/p>\n

Individuals interested in participating in the pilgrimage through the government scheme can now apply until December 22. As per the ministry\u2019s spokesperson, this extension is in response to public demand.<\/p>\n

An advertisement posted on the ministry\u2019s website informs overseas Pakistanis that they can cover the Hajj expenses for their loved ones using US dollars in dedicated bank accounts.<\/p>\n

Sponsored pilgrims will be able to undertake Hajj without waiting for the official draw results; their applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the ministry has lifted the restriction on performing Hajj-e-Badal. This year, individuals who performed Hajj five years ago will also be eligible to apply for the pilgrimage.<\/p>\n

Read also:\u00a0Private Hajj operators granted equal quotas<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hajj-e-Badal involves performing Hajj on behalf of someone who is unable to do so due to reasons such as illness, old age, or other valid circumstances.<\/p>\n

In Islam, it is considered a noble act to perform Hajj on behalf of another person, often a deceased relative or someone physically incapable of undertaking the pilgrimage.<\/p>\n

This year, solitary women who are part of a trustworthy group of female pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj without a mahram or male guardian.<\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia has reinstated Pakistan\u2019s pre-coronavirus Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for this year and has lifted the previous age limit of 65 years for pilgrimage.<\/p>\n

Around 90,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to participate in Hajj under the government scheme, while an equal number will opt for private tour operators for the pilgrimage.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n