By Moaz Nasir
TWA
—
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has granted an extension for the submission of applications under the Government Hajj Scheme, with the new deadline set for the 22nd of this month.
As stated by the ministry’s spokesperson, Muhammad Umar Butt, the decision to extend the deadline by ten days was made in response to the requests of intending pilgrims. Applications in the sponsorship scheme are being accepted on a first-come-first-served basis, and those paying in dollars from abroad will be deemed successful without the need for balloting.
The spokesperson also announced the revocation of the five-year moratorium on Hajj-e-Badal, responding to public requests. Additionally, individuals who have performed Hajj within the last five years are eligible to apply for Hajj this year.
Moreover, the spokesperson mentioned that single women have the opportunity to perform Hajj in a group of trusted women by providing an affidavit.