Hajj 2025: Government Unveils Costs, Quotas, and Key Updates for Pakistani Pilgrims

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially released the Hajj Policy for 2025, outlining details on pilgrimage costs, application timelines, and quota allocations for Pakistani pilgrims under both government and private schemes. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced the policy during a press conference in Islamabad, following its recent approval by the federal cabinet.

According to the minister, the quota for Pakistani pilgrims will be equally divided, with 79,600 slots allocated each for the government and private Hajj schemes. Applications for the government scheme will open from November 18 and close on December 3, with a balloting process scheduled for December 6.

In total, 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj next year. However, citizens under the age of 12 will not be permitted to participate in the pilgrimage.

The cost per pilgrim is estimated to range between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000. Applicants will be required to submit an initial deposit of Rs200,000 with their applications and an additional Rs400,000 if selected through balloting. The remaining payment must be completed by February 10, 2025. In cases of cancellation, Rs50,000 will be deducted from the initial deposit, and a deduction of Rs200,000 will apply if the third installment is missed. No refunds will be issued after February 10, 2025.

Compensation for the heirs of deceased pilgrims has been increased from Rs1 million to Rs2 million under the new policy. Additionally, 1,000 seats have been reserved for hardship cases, with another 300 seats set aside for laborers and low-income employees registered under the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) or Workers Welfare Fund.

To facilitate pilgrims, the “Road to Makkah” initiative will be available at Islamabad and Karachi international airports, and a newly developed Hajj Management App will assist with training and logistical support. The policy also mandates that Hajj group organizers sign a service provider agreement with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with compliance being strictly monitored.

The federal cabinet has also approved a new role of “Nazim” (administrator) to assist pilgrims during Hajj. One Nazim will be appointed per 100 pilgrims, selected from welfare staff. The cabinet further recommended that preference be given to applicants who were unsuccessful in last year’s balloting and emphasized prioritizing measures for pilgrims’ ease and convenience.