Pakistan is preparing to initiate its annual Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia starting on May 9th. This initiative is crucial to accommodate the thousands of Pakistani Muslims who aim to undertake the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
The Hajj flights are scheduled to commence in the second week of May and will continue throughout the month of June. This extended timeframe aims to allow a substantial number of Pakistani pilgrims to travel to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia, ensuring they have ample time to perform their rituals and return safely.
In a significant move, the Saudi government has restored Pakistan’s Hajj quota to its pre-pandemic level, permitting a total of 179,210 pilgrims from Pakistan to participate in the pilgrimage.
The upper age limit of 65 has also been eliminated, allowing more individuals to partake in this spiritual journey. In December 2023, the Pakistani government conducted a draw to select individuals for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
From this draw, a total of over 63,000 lucky applicants were selected to perform Hajj under the official government scheme.
For the 2024 Hajj season, the Saudi Hajj and Umrah ministry has mandated that all pilgrims must possess a smartphone. This requirement is part of the ministry’s initiative to utilize mobile applications to assist and guide pilgrims throughout their sacred journey.
A dedicated mobile application has been launched to provide pilgrims with a wealth of information, including details about their flights, accommodations, and essential training videos to prepare them for the pilgrimage.
Each pilgrim will receive a complimentary SIM card from a Saudi telecommunications company, offering 180 minutes of international calling.
The second phase of the Hajj training program is scheduled to begin on April 15th. Led by a team of 40 trained professionals, this training will be conducted at 122 different locations across Pakistan.
The training sessions are designed to provide pilgrims with comprehensive guidance on new initiatives and educate them on various aspects and rituals associated with the Hajj pilgrimage, ensuring they are well-prepared both spiritually and practically.
It is mandatory for all pilgrims to be vaccinated at least 10 days prior to their scheduled Hajj flights to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
To further facilitate the pilgrimage journey and ensure the comfort of the pilgrims, each participant will be provided with a set of essential items. These include a suitcase, a hand-carry bag, a shoe bag, an Ihram belt (a white garment worn by pilgrims), and a green scarf featuring the Pakistani flag.
The Hajj pilgrimage for the year 2024 is tentatively scheduled to take place from June 14th to June 19th. However, it is crucial to note that these dates are subject to change based on the sighting of the moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
It is always recommended for pilgrims to verify these dates closer to the time of the pilgrimage to ensure accurate planning and preparation.
In 2023, approximately 81,000 pilgrims from Pakistan performed the Hajj under the government’s official scheme. Additionally, many others opted to make their pilgrimage through private tour operators.
With the restoration of Pakistan’s Hajj quota and the removal of the age limit, there is an expectation of a significant increase in the number of pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj through the official government scheme.
