Haj 2025: Here’s how much you have to pay this year

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan government has approved the much-anticipated Hajj policy for 2025, as pilgrims seek details on the ‘once-in-a-lifetime journey’.

The new Hajj policy allows a total of 179,210 Pakistani citizens to perform Hajj in 2025 and the government-sponsored Hajj scheme is estimated to cost between Rs 10.65 to 10.75 lakh.

Haj quota for Haj will be divided equally between public and private schemes, each getting half the seats. As in previous years, a computerized lucky draw will be conducted to allocate the government share.

The new policy under the Sharif-led government outlines 5,000 quotas to be earmarked for the government’s sponsorship program and 25,000 to be made available through private operators.

Children below 12 years of age will not be allowed to go on Hajj. Meanwhile, 1,000 quotas will be reserved for those facing exceptional circumstances, while 300 quotas will be reserved for low-income workers.

To further streamline the process, the government introduced a special Hajj management app, while the “Road to Makkah” service will be available both in the capital Islamabad and the port city Karachi.

Ministry of Religious Affairs will share complete details about Hajj schedule and applications. The cabinet also discussed other important issues including the urea fertilizer price balance report and signing of possible agreements with the three countries.