The Ministry of Religious Affairs has warned the public against fake Hajj bookings, clarifying that the government has not yet announced its Hajj policy or authorised anyone to accept bookings.
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The ministry advised people planning to perform Hajj to wait for the government’s official announcement and avoid paying money to anyone claiming to offer Hajj bookings on behalf of the government.
Pakistan Yet to Announce Hajj Policy
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Interfaith Harmony Allama Tahir Ashrafi said Saudi Arabia was expected to announce its Hajj policy by the following month.
He said the Pakistan government would announce its Hajj policy after Saudi Arabia finalised its arrangements.
The warning came amid concerns that unscrupulous individuals could exploit people seeking to perform the pilgrimage by collecting money through unauthorised Hajj booking schemes.
FIA to Take Action Against Fraudsters
Ashrafi said it was unfortunate that people in Pakistan and around the world, who wanted to travel to the holy sites and perform Hajj, could become victims of fraud.
He warned that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) would take action against people involved in defrauding pilgrims.
The government urged prospective pilgrims to rely only on official announcements and authorised channels and not hand over money for Hajj arrangements before the official policy and booking process is announced.
Hajj 2022 Dates
The 2022 Hajj was scheduled to begin on the evening of Thursday, July 7, and end on the evening of Tuesday, July 12, although the dates could vary depending on the lunar calendar.
it is pertinent to mention here that, Saudi Arabia has officially announced the date for reopening Umrah visas, bringing relief and anticipation for pilgrims around the world planning their spiritual journey.
According to an official announcement, Saudi Arabia will reopen Umrah visa applications for international pilgrims on May 31, 2026, marking the start of the new Umrah season following the completion of Hajj arrangements.
