For the first time in its history, Pakistan will select assistants for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage via the National Testing Service (NTS) exam, as declared by the caretaker religious affairs minister. The annual Hajj pilgrimage sees hundreds of assistants and doctors chosen to aid local pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, with aspiring candidates undergoing the NTS exam as part of the selection process.
Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed highlighted the significance of transparency in the selection process, deeming the use of NTS for selection a historic step. This year, the ministry plans to send 625 individuals as assistants to Saudi Arabia, a decrease from the 794 sent last year. Notably, among these assistants, 540 will be doctors, emphasizing the pivotal role of medical support during the pilgrimage.
Ahmed emphasized the importance of passing the written test, underscoring its potential to enhance the performance of assistants during the Hajj pilgrimage. In a separate development, in December, Pakistan announced the results of a draw for Hajj 2024, with over 63,000 applicants selected under the government scheme, while others will apply through private tour operators.
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