The Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to extend the deadline for Hajj applications and delay the lucky draw due to a lower-than-expected number of submissions.

Ministry sources revealed that the deadline for applications under the government Hajj scheme is likely to be extended by 13 days. Initially set for December 6, the lucky draw is now proposed to be held on December 19.

So far, around 55,000 applications have been submitted, and the ministry hopes the extension will encourage more people to apply. A final announcement about the new deadline and draw date is expected tomorrow.

To facilitate the application process, the State Bank of Pakistan had earlier directed designated banks to stay open on weekends until 2:30 PM. This arrangement, made at the ministry’s request, allowed uninterrupted submission of applications until the original deadline of December 3.

In a related development, the government recently announced a reduction in Hajj airfares for 2025, offering financial relief to pilgrims. The revised fare is Rs220,000 per person, Rs14,000 less than last year’s Rs234,000. This $50 per person reduction will save pilgrims Rs1.24 billion in total.

The fare reduction was achieved through negotiations between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), marking the second consecutive year of reduced fares.

Other airlines, including Saudi Airlines and private Pakistani carriers, are expected to follow suit, with agreements to be finalized soon.

Under the travel plan, 40% of pilgrims will fly with PIA, 40% with Saudi Airlines, and 20% with private Pakistani airlines.