The government has announced a relief measure for registered pilgrims who are unable to perform Hajj due to “compelling circumstances.” The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a policy specifically for those who are severely ill or deceased, under which any other relative of that registered individual will be eligible to perform Hajj in their place.
According to the official document, a person prevented from undertaking Hajj due to a necessary compulsion also has the option to nominate a substitute or choose to receive a full refund.
The policy mandates that a solid reason must be provided for either requesting a refund or nominating an alternate person, and documentary proof of the registered pilgrim’s illness or death is compulsory.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the reason for being unable to perform Hajj must be recorded and submitted on a stamped paper, along with the bank receipt and a copy of the identity card.
Last month, The News reported that over 400,000 individuals had registered for the pilgrimage. However, only 71,000 ultimately submitted applications along with the first installment of Rs500,000 and Rs550,000 for the long duration (38 to 42 days) and short duration (20 to 25 days) packages, respectively, through scheduled banks and the ministry’s online portal.
Earlier this month, The News reported that more than 21,000 pilgrims had successfully been registered. Sources confirmed that private Hajj operators are obligated to give priority to those who were unable to perform Hajj the previous year despite completing the entire process.
