The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Pakistan has extended the deadline for Hajj applications until April 7, 2023.
Per a recent notification issued by the ministry, aspirant pilgrims can now submit their applications under the sponsorship scheme until Friday, April 7. This extension comes after the ministry had initially ruled out any possibility of an extension and urged aspirant pilgrims to submit their Hajj applications and dues within the original time frame.
The ministry has requested that all missions publicize this deadline extension to overseas Pakistanis. This is aimed at ensuring that everyone has a chance to apply for Hajj under the sponsorship scheme.
In addition, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a list of banks where Hajj applicants can deposit their applications and dues. The SBP has requested that designated banks collect applications and dues from the pilgrims on closed holidays, i.e., Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2, respectively. The banks have also been requested to open all their branches on the said dates to facilitate the pilgrims.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a sacred obligation for all Muslims who are financially and physically capable of performing it. Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and is considered a significant event for Muslims worldwide. Extending the deadline for Hajj applications is expected to provide more opportunities for Pakistani pilgrims to perform the sacred obligation of Hajj.
