In a facilitation measure for the Hajj pilgrims, the government announced an accelerated passport issuance service yesterday which will facilitate pilgrims obtaining their passports within 24 hours. The service was announced by Director General of Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi to ease preparation for the sacred journey to Makkah.
Special Counter for Hajj Applicants Only
Special counters for Hajj pilgrims will be opened at the Directorate General headquarters as well as at all regional passport offices across Pakistan. This facility will also be available in Pakistani passport offices abroad so that all over the world’s pilgrims can benefit through this facility. According to Qazi, pilgrims will be privileged and get priority treatment, and passport deliveries will be done within a day.
This development is likely to benefit thousands of intending pilgrims who in previous years faced delays during the passport issuance process, especially during the busy Hajj season.
Complementary Measures for Hajj 2025
In addition, the Ministry of Religious Affairs also introduced other programs that streamlined the process of Hajj for Pakistani nationals. The programs include:
Hajj Application Process:
- It has also inaugurated the application submission for the year 2025 season of Hajj. Applications for pilgrimage can be submitted at 15 banks across different regions of the country before December 3, 2024.
- There is a quota of 89,605 pilgrims allocated under the government Hajj scheme. Submission requires applicants to submit an amount of Rs200,000 with their applications.
- A computerized draw shall be held on December 6, 2024, to determine the final list of selected pilgrims.
Cost-Effective Travel Solutions:
- The ministry has successfully negotiated a reduction in airfare for Hajj pilgrims. Each pilgrim will now pay $800 instead of $850, saving $50 per ticket.
- This cut will also affect the flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudi Airlines, serving 70,000 pilgrims.
Flexible Repayment Plans
- Further to relieve the burden on the pilgrims, the government has also implemented an installment payment mechanism. The balance amount is to be paid within February 1-10, 2025.
- An amount in the range of Rs. 1,075,000 to Rs. 1,175,000 is charged for the government Hajj scheme. Additionally, there are extra charges for other services like Qurbani and Makkah Darul Aman.
Why This Matters
Hajj is a sacred journey to Mecca for many Pakistanis and may perhaps be done only once in a lifetime by many. Its preparations are a task in itself because of financial and bureaucratic hurdles. However, the government has tried to ease the preparations by providing a quick passport issuance service and reducing the travel cost. It will ensure that the financial or logistical obstacles don’t hinder this sacred journey of pilgrims.
How to Avail the 24-Hour Passport Service
Those who intend to apply for the quick passport issuance service must
- Visit the nearest regional passport office or Directorate General headquarters.
- Must have all documents, including a copy of the Hajj application receipt.
- Use the dedicated counters for Hajj to get priority processing facilities.
For those applying outside Pakistan, similar facilities would also be available at the issuing Pakistani passport offices abroad.
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Conclusion
This 24-hour passport issuance project completely justifies the government’s commitment to making the experience of Hajj trouble-free for Pakistani pilgrims. Reduced airfare, installment payment options, and easy application processes, all these efforts will help make the Hajj preparations easy and hurdle-free for many pilgrims going on a special spiritual journey.
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