J&K’s Hajj applications hit record low

Srinagar, Oct 2: In an unprecedented turn of events, Jammu and Kashmir will forgo the traditional draw of lots for Hajj pilgrims for the second year running, as application numbers have plummeted far below the allocated quota.The Jammu and Kashmir State Hajj Committee has received a mere 4,250 applications for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the generous allocation of 8,200 slots.This shortfall means that nearly 4000 seats—approximately 48 percent of the total quota—will remain unfilled.Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer, J&K State Hajj Committee, elaborated on the situation.