The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced a significant reduction in the cost of Hajj for Pakistani pilgrims, with a fixed airfare of $800 per person through Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for the upcoming pilgrimage. This decrease marks a notable difference from last year, where the cost was set at $850 per pilgrim. The Ministry has allocated a quota of 35,000 pilgrims to PIA, ensuring more affordable travel options for Pakistanis planning to embark on this sacred journey.
This initiative is considered a major step by the Ministry to make Hajj more accessible and economical for Pakistani Muslims. As part of the government’s effort to ease the financial burden on low-income and middle-class citizens, a proposal has been introduced to allow pilgrims to pay for their Hajj expenses in three installments instead of a single lump sum. This proposal is currently under review by the federal cabinet for approval.
Sources suggest that this installment-based payment option is part of the broader Hajj policy being formulated by the Ministry. If approved, prospective pilgrims will be able to pay a total amount of Rs1.1 million in three installments. Initially, applicants will be required to deposit Rs200,000 to apply for Hajj. After being selected in the lucky draw, they would then pay an additional Rs400,000, with the final installment due before departure.
This payment plan aims to alleviate the financial pressure on those wishing to perform Hajj, especially for those from lower-income brackets. The Ministry’s measures, along with the reduced airfare, reflect the government’s commitment to making this significant religious journey more affordable and accessible to a larger number of Pakistani Muslims.
