Fifteen designated banks across Pakistan started receiving Hajj applications from today (Monday) under the government Hajj scheme.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the applicants would have to deposit Rs 200,000 along with the application. The second installment would be received 10 days after the balloting.
The second installment of Rs 400,000 has to be paid by 1-10 February 2025, according to the ministry.
A total of 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Haj in 2025, out of which the quota of the government Hajj scheme has been set at 89, 605.
5000 seats have been reserved for sponsorship under the government Haj scheme, you would have to pay the full amount in dollars via a banking channel to participate in the sponsorship scheme. The government sponsorship scheme will operate on a “first come, first served” basis and will be exempted from balloting
The government Hajj package includes airfare food, training, Maktab, and vaccine, according to the religious ministry.
The traditional long package for the government Haj scheme will last from 38 to 42 days, while the short package will span from 20 to 25 days.
Women would be allowed to perform Hajj without a Mahram if they were part of a group. Those suffering from serious diseases and full-term pregnant women will not be allowed to perform Hajj.
Children under 12 will also not be allowed to accompany their parents in Hajj.
Hajj applications will be received from November 18 to December 3, while balloting will be held on Dec 6.
