Good news for registered pilgrims unable to perform Hajj due to illness

Govt announces relief policy for registered pilgrims who are unable to perform Hajj due to compelling reasons

ISLAMABAD: The government has announced relief for registered pilgrims who, due to compelling circumstances, are unable to perform Hajj.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a policy regarding those who are severely ill or deceased, under which any other relative of that person will be eligible to perform Hajj in their stead.

According to the document, a person unable to go for Hajj due to necessity compulsion can also nominate someone else or have the option to take a refund.

The document states that applicants must provide a solid reason for a refund or for sending an alternate person for Hajj, and they must submit documentary proof of the registered pilgrim’s illness or death.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that applicants must record the reason for not going on Hajj on stamped paper and submit it along with the bank receipt and a copy of their identity card.

Last month, The News reported that over 400,000 people had registered for the performance of Hajj.

However, 71,000 finally applied along with the first instalment of Rs500,000 and Rs550,000 for a long duration of 38 to 42 days and a short duration package of 20 to 25 days, respectively, in branches of scheduled banks and through the ministry’s portal.

More than 21,000 pilgrims have successfully registered, The News reported earlier this month. Sources confirmed that private Hajj operators are bound to give priority to those who were unable to perform Hajj last year despite completing the process.