Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, announced the 2025 Hajj policy in Islamabad, revealing that 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj next year. The Hajj quota is equally split between the government and private Hajj schemes, with each receiving 89,605 seats. Additionally, 5,000 seats under the government scheme and 30,000 for private tour operators will be allocated to a sponsorship scheme, which requires foreign exchange to be sent through official banking channels.
Salik explained that the government’s sponsorship scheme would operate on a “first-come, first-served” basis without balloting, with funds strictly reserved for Hajj expenses in Saudi Arabia. The government scheme offers a long stay of 38-42 days and a short stay of 20-25 days. Saudi regulations require each organized private Hajj group to include at least 2,000 pilgrims.
Regarding costs, Salik projected expenses for the government scheme between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000, with an additional Rs55,000 for sacrificial offerings. Those opting for double-bed and triple-bed accommodations in Makkah would pay an extra Rs220,000 and Rs75,000, respectively. The first Hajj payment installment of Rs200,000 is due with the application, followed by a second Rs400,000 installment within 10 days of balloting, and the remainder by February 10, 2025.
Full refunds will be provided if applications are withdrawn before the submission deadline. After that, Rs50,000 will be deducted from refunds following the balloting, and Rs200,000 if the third installment isn’t deposited. Refunds will not be available after February 10, except in the event of an applicant’s death.
Applications will be accepted from November 18 to December 3, with the balloting scheduled for November 6.
