Lahore: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has extended the registration period for the private Hajj scheme, providing a new opportunity to flood-affected pilgrims, as those who were unable to apply in the past needed convenience. Applications under the private scheme are still being received on the Hajj portal, where the initial date was September 8, but this period has been extended due to the floods. The ministry has said that so far about 21,000 Hajj pilgrims have completed their registration.
The ministry has also asked private Hajj operators to accept new applications using their remaining quota so that those who did not perform Hajj last year for any reason can also join. Pilgrims who have deposited money last year will also be given the facility that their already deposited money will be used in the same Hajj season, and no additional expenses will be charged from them. However, those who had withdrawn their money last year will have to submit a new application.
Pilgrims have welcomed the decision in light of economic hardships and flood devastation, as many were unable to register within the stipulated time. Experts are saying that this step is a positive and humanitarian development by the government for the affected people, which is an attempt to reduce the difficulties that hinder the performance of an important religious duty like Hajj.
