Hajj Costs
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced a major reduction in Hajj package costs on Tuesday, providing financial relief to Pakistani pilgrims preparing for the sacred journey.
During a press conference at the ministry, the minister revealed that the cost of the 40-day Hajj package has been reduced by Rs25,000, bringing the new total to Rs1,050,000. Pilgrims choosing this package will be required to pay a third installment of Rs450,000.
Similarly, the 25-day short Hajj package has also seen a significant price cut of Rs50,000, lowering the overall cost to Rs1,100,000. The third installment for this package will be Rs500,000. He emphasized that all pilgrims must submit their third installment at designated banks between February 6 and February 14.
To ensure transparency and ease for pilgrims, the ministry has integrated digital updates into the ‘Pak Hajj’ mobile application, which will notify each pilgrim about their payment status. This initiative aims to streamline the financial process and provide real-time updates to applicants.
In another significant development, the minister announced that the government will refund over Rs4.75 billion to pilgrims who performed Hajj in 2024.
These refunds are categorized into seven different groups, based on factors such as accommodation in Mina, lodging in Makkah, and Maktab C allocation. Additionally, savings from Qurbani refunds and airfare reductions will also be distributed among the pilgrims.
Breaking down the refund process, the minister shared the percentage of pilgrims eligible for different refund amounts:
- 14% (9,588 pilgrims) will receive Rs20,000
- 5% (3,358 pilgrims) will receive Rs35,000
- 19% (12,981 pilgrims) will receive Rs50,000
- 23% (16,037 pilgrims) will receive Rs75,000
- 26% (17,828 pilgrims) will receive Rs90,000
- 10% (6,784 pilgrims) will receive Rs110,000
- 3% (2,228 pilgrims) will receive Rs140,000
The refunds will be processed through designated bank branches, ensuring a smooth and transparent transfer of funds. The minister confirmed that the disbursement process will begin within the next two days, allowing beneficiaries to receive their refunds promptly.
This move reflects the government’s commitment to making Hajj more affordable and ensuring financial fairness for all pilgrims.
