Pakistan’s government has introduced a new initiative to make the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage more accessible to its citizens.
The federal cabinet has approved a policy allocating a quota of 179,000 pilgrims, divided equally between government and private tour operators.
The estimated cost of the Hajj is around 11 lac. Under the proposed plan, applicants would initially make a down payment of Rs2 Lac to apply for the Hajj. After being selected through a lottery, they would be required to pay an additional Rs4 Lac, with the remaining balance due before departure.
Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that this installment option is specifically designed to make the pilgrimage more accessible to those who may find it challenging to afford the entire cost at once.
Hajj policy establishes quota of 179,000 pilgrims from Asian nation, with an equal distribution between government and private tour operators. Special allocations will be made for hardship cases and low-income workers to ensure that more individuals can participate in this significant religious journey.
The new guidelines restrict children under age of 12 from participating in the pilgrimage while health requirements will include submission of medical certificates for individuals with serious health issues.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating the Hajj experience for a wider segment of the population, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to this important religious obligation.
