The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, has officially announced Pakistan's Hajj Policy for 2025, outlining key details about the application process, quotas, costs, and other regulations. The announcement was made alongside the Minister Secretary in a press conference.
Here are the key points of the policy:
1. Quota and Distribution
Pakistan has been allocated a total quota of 179,210 Hajj pilgrims for 2025. This quota will be divided equally between the government scheme and private schemes, with 89,605 seats each. Additionally, 5,000 seats will be specifically reserved for the government’s sponsorship program, which requires pilgrims to send foreign exchange through banking channels. The private scheme will allocate 30,000 seats for sponsored pilgrims.
2. Application Process
The application process will be open from November 18 to December 3, 2024. If you wish to apply for the government scheme, you will need to participate in a draw, which will take place on December 6, 2024. However, the government sponsorship applicants will be exempt from the lucky draw and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Costs and Packages
The official government Hajj scheme will offer two types of packages:
- 38-42 Day Package: Rs 1.075 million
- 20-25 Day Package: Rs 1.175 million
Applicants will need to make an initial deposit of Rs 200,000 when applying, followed by Rs 400,000 within 10 days of the lucky draw (if their name is selected). The remaining balance must be paid by February 10, 2025, before the pilgrims depart for Hajj.
4. Additional Fees and Services
- Sacrifice services (for animals) will cost Rs 55,000.
- Optional accommodation upgrades include double-bed rooms for Rs 220,000 and triple-bed rooms for Rs 75,000.
5. Compensation for Families
If a pilgrim passes away during the Hajj pilgrimage, their family will receive Rs 2 million. In case of injuries, Rs 1 million will be provided.
6. Refund Policies
Applicants who withdraw their application before the last date will receive a full refund. However:
- Rs 50,000 will be deducted if cancellation happens after the lucky draw.
- Rs 200,000 will be deducted if the third installment isn't paid by the deadline. No refunds will be issued after February 10, 2025, except in cases of the applicant's death.
7. Measures Against Begging
The government is taking strict actions to prevent pilgrims from begging during Hajj, including crackdowns on Umrah pilgrims engaged in such activities.
8. Priority for First-Time Pilgrims
Priority will be given to those who are performing Hajj for the first time.
