Islamabad, Feb 5: The federal government has announced a significant reduction in Hajj package costs, offering much-needed financial relief to pilgrims planning to undertake the sacred journey.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhary Salik Hussain, revealed that the cost of the 40-day Hajj package has been lowered by Rs25,000, bringing it down to Rs10,50,000. Meanwhile, the 25-day short Hajj package has seen a Rs50,000 reduction, now priced at Rs11,00,000. Previously, these packages were priced at Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,150,000, respectively.
The reduction was achieved following successful negotiations between the Pakistani government and Saudi authorities. As a result, the financial burden on pilgrims has been eased significantly.
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Pilgrims are required to pay the third installment for their Hajj expenses, with Rs450,000 applicable for the long package and Rs500,000 for the short package. The minister emphasized the importance of making these payments between February 6 and 14 at designated banks. Additionally, the “Pak Hajj” mobile app will keep pilgrims informed regarding their payments and related details.
In another positive development, the government is set to refund over Rs4.75 billion to Hajj pilgrims who performed the pilgrimage last year. This refund will be processed under seven different categories, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Under the Hajj 2025 agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, a total of 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will have the opportunity to perform Hajj this year. The agreement includes enhanced facilities, including affordable accommodations in Mina, aimed at making the pilgrimage more convenient and comfortable.
To further streamline the process, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced a 20 to 25-day short Hajj program, similar to previous years. Pilgrims will have the flexibility to choose their stay in Madina for a duration ranging from four to eight days, depending on their preferences.
Each pilgrim will receive a specially designed kit containing a bag with the Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and essential information. Additionally, a mobile application will provide real-time updates regarding Hajj group details, training schedules, flight itineraries, accommodations, and live location tracking of key sites in Saudi Arabia.
With these reforms, the government aims to make Hajj 2025 more affordable, accessible, and convenient for all Pakistani pilgrims.
