Pakistan on Tuesday lifted a ban that barred pilgrims to perform Hajj for the second time within 5 years, said Muhammad Umar Butt, spokesperson for the ministry of religious affairs and interfaith harmony.

“Some people, who have performed Hajj in the last five years, requested to go on the pilgrimage again under the government scheme. The ministry has now lifted the ban,” he said in a video posted on the ministry’s X account.

According to Butt, the ministry decided to extend the deadline for Hajj 2024 application after people complained of facing challenges in getting refunds of their deposits.

“The deadline for Hajj 2024 applications under the government scheme has been extended by 10 days. The applications can now be submitted till December 22,” he added.

The religious affairs ministry had earlier announced the opening of applications from November 27 till December 12.

“The Ministry has also allowed women to perform Hajj without a male guardian (Muharram) after getting an undertaking from their male guardian. They can go on the pilgrimage by joining a group of trusted women,” Butt said.

The Pakistani paying fee in dollars will be able to register for the government Hajj scheme without the need for participating in balloting, he added.