Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, announced on Monday a new Hajj Policy for 2025, introducing a payment plan that allows pilgrims to pay their Hajj fees in instalments. This move aims to ease the financial burden for those undertaking the pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a highly anticipated journey for millions of Muslims worldwide. Pakistan, as one of the largest recipients of Hajj quotas provided by Saudi Arabia, has a significant number of citizens eager to participate in the annual pilgrimage, with many waiting years for the opportunity.
Under the new government scheme, Pakistan will send a total of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj, divided between those traveling through the official government scheme and private tour operators. Minister Hussain disclosed that the cost for Hajj in 2025 would range from Rs1,075,000 to Rs1,175,000, depending on the package. An additional charge of Rs55,000 is included for the mandatory sacrificial rites.
To make the process more manageable, the government has introduced a three-stage instalment plan. The first instalment of Rs200,000 is required at the time of application submission. If selected through the official balloting process, pilgrims will then need to deposit a second instalment of Rs400,000 within ten days of the balloting results. The remaining balance must be paid by February 10, 2025. As explained by Minister Hussain, “If you submit Rs200,000 at the time of the application and your name comes up in the lucky draw, then you will submit Rs400,000 before paying the rest between February 1-10.”
The policy specifies that, in case of withdrawal, Rs50,000 will be deducted from the first instalment, while Rs200,000 will be deducted if the third instalment is not paid on time. This phased payment approach seeks to make the Hajj more accessible by reducing the need for large, immediate payments.
The Hajj policy also prioritizes first-time pilgrims in the balloting process, allowing more people to experience the pilgrimage for the first time. The minister also noted a new travel restriction for children under the age of 12, who will not be permitted to participate.
To accommodate different preferences, the government will offer two packages: a longer stay lasting 38 to 42 days, and a shorter option lasting 20 to 25 days. This flexibility provides potential pilgrims with options to suit their schedules and financial capacities.
The Hajj Policy 2025, approved by the Pakistani government earlier in the month, marks a significant shift towards making the pilgrimage more financially feasible for citizens. With Pakistan’s sizeable Hajj quota and the introduction of payment options, the policy aims to address the aspirations of many Muslims in Pakistan to fulfill this religious obligation.
