Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is a sacred journey for many Muslims in Pakistan. To ensure a smooth and successful experience for Pakistani pilgrims, the country’s religious affairs ministry has implemented a significant change in the selection process for Hajj 2024 assistants. For the first time, these assistants are responsible for supporting pilgrims during the pilgrimage; hence, the Hajj assistants will be selected through NTS exam.
Previously, the selection process relied on other methods, but this year, transparency and fairness are taking center stage. However, now hajj assistants will be selected through NTS Exam; on Sunday, aspiring Hajj assistants participated in the NTS exam, hoping to secure a spot among the chosen few. The Hajj cost was supposed to reduced in half this year which will allow many people to perform hajj.
“This marks a significant step forward,” declared Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed. “By utilizing the National Testing Service for selecting Hajj assistants, we are ensuring a transparent and merit-based process.”
Minister Ahmed further highlighted the reduced number of assistants being sent this year compared to the previous year. In 2023, Pakistan sent 794 hajj candidates, whereas this year, the figure stands at 625. Interestingly, 540 of these assistants will be medical professionals, with the minister expressing his belief that “those who demonstrate competence through the written exam will be better equipped to assist pilgrims during their Hajj journey.”
The selection of Hajj candidates is just one aspect of the broader preparations for Hajj 2024. In December, Pakistan announced the results of a lottery system that selected over 63,000 individuals to participate in the pilgrimage under the government scheme. Those who were not chosen through the lottery can still pursue their Hajj aspirations by applying through private tour operators.
This shift towards an exam-based system in Hajj Preparation for hajj selected candidates signifies a commitment to transparency and ensuring qualified individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of supporting pilgrims during this significant religious journey.
Previously, the selection process relied on other methods, but this year, transparency and fairness are taking center stage. However, now hajj assistants will be selected through NTS Exam; on Sunday, aspiring Hajj assistants participated in the NTS exam, hoping to secure a spot among the chosen few. The Hajj cost was supposed to reduced in half this year which will allow many people to perform hajj.
“This marks a significant step forward,” declared Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed. “By utilizing the National Testing Service for selecting Hajj assistants, we are ensuring a transparent and merit-based process.”
Minister Ahmed further highlighted the reduced number of assistants being sent this year compared to the previous year. In 2023, Pakistan sent 794 hajj candidates, whereas this year, the figure stands at 625. Interestingly, 540 of these assistants will be medical professionals, with the minister expressing his belief that “those who demonstrate competence through the written exam will be better equipped to assist pilgrims during their Hajj journey.”
The selection of Hajj candidates is just one aspect of the broader preparations for Hajj 2024. In December, Pakistan announced the results of a lottery system that selected over 63,000 individuals to participate in the pilgrimage under the government scheme. Those who were not chosen through the lottery can still pursue their Hajj aspirations by applying through private tour operators.
This shift towards an exam-based system in Hajj Preparation for hajj selected candidates signifies a commitment to transparency and ensuring qualified individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of supporting pilgrims during this significant religious journey.