Federal cabinet okays Hajj Policy 2025

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet while approving the Hajj Policy 2025 said that 179,210 Pakistanis will perform Hajj next year, here on Tuesday.

As per the details, a cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in which the members were informed about Pakistan’s Haj quota for 2025. 50:50 ratio.

Under the Hajj Policy 2025, computerized lottery will be held for government quota, children below 12 years of age will not be allowed to go for Hajj next year. A total of 1000 seats will be reserved for hardship cases, and 300 seats will be reserved for workers registered with Workers’ Welfare Fund or Employees’ Old Age Benefit Institution or low-income employees.

The Cabinet members were informed that ‘Road to Makkah’ facility will be available at Islamabad and Karachi airports. Hajj group organizers will sign service provider agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and their service delivery will be closely monitored.

The cabinet was informed that a new post of ‘Nazim’ has been introduced to oversee the provision of better facilities to pilgrims. One moderator will be appointed for every 100 pilgrims and these moderators will be selected from the welfare staff.

The meeting was further informed that the compensation of pilgrims who died and got injured during Hajj has been increased. 2 million rupees will be given to the family members of the deceased pilgrims and 1 million rupees to the injured pilgrims.

It was informed that a special Hajj management application has been developed for the convenience of pilgrims and special arrangements have been made for their training.

The Cabinet directed to give preference to those who will perform Hajj for the first time in the Hajj lottery. He also directed to take all necessary steps to ensure the provision of best facilities for the pilgrims.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs issued health guidelines for Hajj 2025 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. These guidelines are in accordance with the requirements of Saudi Arabia, which ensure the welfare of the pilgrims.

Certain people have been barred from participating in Hajj this year, including those with ill health.

This includes dialysis patients, heart patients, those with respiratory issues, and individuals with artificial respiration or liver disease, pregnant women (7 months or more), patients with contagious diseases, TB, or cancer, and those with weak memory or Alzheimer’s disease are also restricted.