Hajj 2024: The Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed, announced on Tuesday that the government is planning to provide free mobile SIM cards with internet packages for Pakistanis going for Haj in 2024.
During an interview with a private news channel, the minister mentioned that female pilgrims will receive abayas with the Pakistani flag on the back, and all pilgrims will be given 13kg suitcases.
The minister praised the caretaker government for reducing the Haj cost by approximately Rs100,000, calling it a “historic step.” He assured that an additional Rs50,000 would be cut, and the refunded amount would be deposited into people’s accounts.
A new mobile application has been created to assist pilgrims, offering navigation support and constant communication with relevant officials. Initially available in English and Urdu, the app will later include various regional languages and digital training programs for every pilgrim.
The minister also revealed a joint project between the Haj and education ministries, aiming to transform city mosques into schools for out-of-school children. Mosque imams will take a lead role, and these mosques will serve as community centers, addressing local issues after prayers.
The minister emphasized collaboration with all four provinces to enhance mosque connectivity. Another project in the works involves collaborating with the health ministry to integrate medical clinics into mosques.
