Pakistan’s New Hajj Policy 2025: Now Pay Hajj Fees in Installments
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- November 12, 2024
- 3:46 pm
- 35
- Current Affairs
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony recently introduced a flexible Hajj Policy for 2025. It allows Pakistanis to pay their Hajj fees in installments. Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain leads an initiative to improve Hajj access for hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims.
This new policy will help 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims who will perform Hajj in 2025. It will let them pay the high cost in installments.
Hajj Quota and Sponsorship Allocation
Pakistan has one of the largest Hajj quotas from Saudi Arabia. This year, it is split evenly between government and private Hajj schemes. Each received 89,605 seats. Under this division:
- Government Hajj Scheme: It offers 89,605 seats. A "first-come, first-served" policy applies to the sponsorship scheme, which doesn't require balloting.
- Private Hajj Scheme: Also allocated 89,605 seats for private tour operators.
To support the government’s sponsorship initiative, 5,000 seats are reserved, and 30,000 seats are allocated to private operators. Pilgrims in the sponsorship scheme must send foreign exchange via bank. This ensures the funds cover essential Hajj expenses in Saudi Arabia.
Flexible Payment Structure in Hajj Fees
With Hajj costs expected to be PKR 1,075,000 to PKR 1,175,000 under the government scheme, the new installment plan offers financial flexibility. Here’s how the installments work:
1. First Installment: PKR 200,000 due at the time of the Hajj application.
2. Second Installment: PKR 400,000 due within 10 days of balloting.
3. Final Payment: The remaining balance to be paid by February 10.
The installment plan helps families by spreading the cost over months. It eases the financial burden and allows more to fulfill this religious duty.
Accommodation and Refunds
The Hajj Policy 2025 also gives applicants flexibility in their accommodation choices:
- Double-bed accommodation: Requires an additional PKR 75,000.
- Triple-bed accommodation: Requires an additional PKR 220,000.
The policy offers full refunds for applicants who withdraw before the deadline. After this date, deductions will apply:
- Before February 10: A deduction of PKR 50,000 on the first installment and PKR 200,000 on the second installment.
- After February 10: No refunds unless in case of an applicant’s death.
Hajj Duration Options and Group Sizes
The policy also caters to different travel preferences with both short and long stays:
- Long stay: 38 to 42 days.
- Short stay: 20 to 25 days.
Also, each private Hajj group must have at least 2,000 pilgrims to meet Saudi requirements. This ensures a cohesive and organized experience for participants.
Application Process and Key Dates
Interested pilgrims can submit their Hajj applications from November 18 to December 3. Balloting will be conducted on December 6 to confirm selections.
Conclusion: A New, Accessible Way to Perform Hajj
Pakistan's Hajj Policy 2025 aims to make Hajj more affordable. It allows payment in installments. This policy not only brings relief to many but reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity in religious practice. For those ready for this spiritual journey, the new policy makes it cheaper to fulfill their dreams of performing Hajj.
