ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, announced the Hajj Policy 2025 on Monday, detailing quotas for government and private Hajj schemes.
The total allotment for Hajj 2025 will be 179,210, which is divided between government and private sectors, which will allow 89,605 seats.
The Hajj Policy 2025 has added a new feature, 5,000 more seats are allocated under the government scheme’s Sponsorship Program, allowing participants to secure a spot by sending foreign currency through banks. However, the private Hajj scheme’s sponsorship program will have an additional 30,000 seats.
Minister Salik Hussain stated that the government Sponsorship Program will work on a “first come, first served” basis, so there will be no lottery for these seats. Foreign currency received through this program will cover Hajj expenses in Saudi Arabia.
For the government-run Hajj scheme, there will be two package options: one lasting 38–42 days, and a Short Package of 20–25 days. Costs for 2025 are expected to range between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000, plus an additional Rs55,000 for sacrificial animals. Accommodation costs for a double-bed room in Makkah will be Rs220,000 and Rs75,000 for a triple-bed room.
For payments, applicants must pay an initial installment of Rs200,000 with their application. After the lottery results, Rs400,000 will be due within 10 days, with the final payment between February 1–10, 2025.
The minister also outlined refund policies: applicants who withdraw before the final payment deadline will receive a full refund. However, cancellations after the lottery will result in a Rs50,000 deduction, and a missed third payment will incur a Rs200,000 deduction. No refunds will be given after February 10, 2025. In cases of an applicant’s death, no deductions will apply.
The minister emphasized the importance of following these steps to ensure a smooth and transparent process for all eligible pilgrims.
