Saudi Arabia last year restored Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and abolished the upper age limit of 65 years. Over 81,000 pilgrims performed Hajj under the government scheme in 2023 while the rest used private tour operators.

Pakistan announced the results of a draw for Hajj 2024 in December 2023, with more than 63,000 applicants selected for the pilgrimage under the government scheme.

Smartphones are a must for all pilgrims, the spokesperson said and added that they would be using mobile phone applications during the holy journey.

Earlier this year, the former government launched a mobile application to facilitate Hajj pilgrims’ travel. The-then interim religious affairs minister said that the app would guide pilgrims from Hajj flight to their stay in Saudi Arabia and all other relevant details would be available on the app, including videos for the training of pilgrims.

Every pilgrim would be given a mobile SIM of a Saudi company for free which would have 180 minutes for international calls, he had said.

According to chief master trainer Ahmed Nadeem Khan, the second phase of Hajj training would commence on April 15. As many as 40 Hajj trainers would provide training on new initiatives and Hajj-related matters at 122 locations across Pakistan.

The process of mandatory vaccination for pilgrims would begin 10 days before Hajj flights, the ministry spokesperson said and added that they would be provided with a suitcase, hand carry bag, shoe bag, Ihram belt, and a green scarf with the Pakistani flag.

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In February, Pakistan’s open market saw about 30 per cent in demand for Saudi Riyal due to the seasonal impact of Umrah and Hajj.

Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, is expected to run from Jun 14-19 this year.