Hajj Policy 2025: 179,210 pilgrim slots, new payment structure announced
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain has officially announced Hajj Policy 2025, confirming that 179,210 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj this year, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, he outlined the distribution of the pilgrim quota and provides details on the financial requirements for those applying.
According to the minister, 79,600 pilgrim slots will be divided equally between government and private sector arrangements.
Under the government scheme, 5,000 slots have been allocated for Pakistanis applying through the sponsorship scheme.
Overseas applicants in this category must send foreign exchange through official banking channels.
He continued that 30,000 slots have been allocated under the private Hajj scheme.
The minister said the government slots will operate on a “first-come, first-served” basis, exempting applicants from the lottery process.
Funds collected through the sponsorship scheme will be strictly utilized for Hajj-related expenses in Saudi Arabia, as per the minister’s statement.
The government scheme offers both traditional and short-stay packages, with the long package ranging from 38 to 42 days and the short package spanning 20 to 25 days.
The estimated cost for the government Hajj package in 2025 is expected to range between Rs. 1,075,000 and Rs. 1,175,000, exclusive of additional services.
Optional amenities, such as Qurbani, will require an additional Rs. 55,000. For those choosing double-bed or triple-bed accommodations in Makkah, an additional fee of Rs. 220,000 and Rs. 75,000, respectively, will be charged per applicant.
A structured payment plan has been introduced, starting with a Rs. 200,000 deposit with the application, followed by an additional Rs. 400,000 within ten days after the nomination. The final installment is due between February 1 and 10, 2025.
Notably, applicants who withdraw before the application deadline will receive a full refund.
However, a Rs. 50,000 deduction will apply if the first installment is withdrawn after the lottery, and Rs. 200,000 will be deducted if the third installment is missed. No refund will be issued after February 10 for those unable to participate.
In the case of an applicant’s death, all refund deductions will be waived.