As the annual pilgrimage season is coming, Pakistan is gearing up for Hajj 2024, with preparations underway to facilitate thousands of pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey to Saudi Arabia. Flight operations are scheduled to commence on May 9th, spanning across the second week of May and extending into the following month to accommodate the influx of devout individuals from the Asian nation.
In a significant development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reinstated Pakistan’s Hajj quota while lifting the age limit, thereby enabling a broader spectrum of individuals to partake in the pilgrimage. The outcomes of the Hajj 2024 draw revealed that over 63,000 fortunate applicants have been selected for the revered journey under the state-run scheme.
Introducing a technological paradigm shift, the Saudi Hajj and Umrah ministry mandates smartphones for all pilgrims this year, aligning with the contemporary digital landscape. Pilgrims are required to utilize mobile applications throughout their Hajj journey, offering comprehensive guidance ranging from their Hajj flight to accommodation in Saudi Arabia, supplemented by instructional videos. Notably, each pilgrim will receive a complimentary mobile SIM card courtesy of a Saudi telecommunications company, facilitating 180 minutes of international calls.
As the anticipation mounts and the sacred journey beckons, preparations intensify on the domestic front. Pilgrims are poised to undergo the second phase of Hajj training, orchestrated by 40 proficient trainers across 122 locations nationwide, starting on April 15th. This training aims to familiarize pilgrims with new initiatives and pertinent Hajj-related information, ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.
Ensuring the health and well-being of pilgrims remains paramount, with mandatory vaccination protocols set to commence ten days prior to the commencement of Hajj flights. Pilgrims will also be equipped with essential amenities, including a suitcase, hand-carry bag, shoe bag, Ihram belt, and a distinctive green scarf adorned with the Pakistani flag, fostering a sense of unity and national pride amongst the pilgrim cohort.
As the countdown to Hajj 2024 begins, Pakistan stands ready to facilitate its pilgrims in embarking on this sacred journey of a lifetime.
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