Islamabad: One hundred seventy-nine thousand, and two hundred ten Pakistani pilgrims are set to perform Hajj in 2025 under the newly announced Hajj Policy 2025. This announcement was made by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, during a press briefing in Islamabad.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Hajj quota has been split equally between government and private Hajj schemes, with each receiving 89,605 seats. For the government Hajj Scheme, five thousand seats are allocated for the sponsorship scheme, while private Hajj tour operators will receive 30,000 seats for the same. Participants of the sponsorship scheme are required to send foreign exchange exclusively through the banking channel.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasized that the government sponsorship scheme will operate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, thereby exempting it from balloting. The foreign exchange accumulated through this scheme will be directed solely toward Hajj-related expenses in Saudi Arabia.

The Minister outlined the duration of stays under the Government Hajj Scheme, with long stays ranging from 38 to 42 days and short stays from 20 to 25 days. He also highlighted that private Hajj groups must consist of at least 2,000 pilgrims as per Saudi regulations.

Regarding expenses, the cost for the Government Hajj Scheme is projected to be between 1,075,000 to 1,175,000 rupees, with an additional 55,000 rupees for the sacrifice. Applicants choosing double-bed and triple-bed accommodations in Makkah will incur additional charges of 220,000 and 75,000 rupees, respectively.

The payment process requires the first installment of 200,000 rupees to be submitted with the Hajj application, followed by a second installment of 400,000 rupees within ten days of balloting. The remaining amount is due by February 10 next year. Refund policies were also detailed, with deductions applicable depending on the timing and circumstances of withdrawal.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain concluded by stating that Hajj applications will be accepted from the 18th of this month until the 3rd of the next month, with balloting scheduled for the 6th of the following month.