ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Monday unveiled the Hajj Policy 2025, announcing an instalment plan for pilgrims to pay Hajj fees.
Hajj is one of five pillars of Islam, annually undertaken by millions of Muslims. Pakistan has one of the largest Hajj quotas provided by Saudi Arabia to any Muslim country amid immense demand for the pilgrimage, with many citizens waiting for years for an opportunity to participate.
Next year’s Hajj under the government scheme is expected to range between Rs1,075,000 to Rs1,175,000, while an additional cost for the sacrifice will be Rs55,000, according to the religious affairs minister.
The first installment of Hajj dues, amounting to Rs200,000, must be deposited along with the Hajj application under the government scheme, while the second installment of Rs400,000 must be deposited within ten days of the balloting. The remaining amount must be deposited by February 10 next year.
“If you submit Rs200,000 at the time of the application and your name comes (in the lucky draw) then you will submit Rs400,000 before the rest of the amount between Feb. 1-10,” Hussain said at a press conference.
The Pakistani government approved the new Hajj policy earlier this month, having a quota of 179,210 pilgrims who would be facilitated under the government scheme and through private tour operators.
Hussain said the move would facilitate people who could not make large payments at once, clarifying that Rs50,000 would be deducted if the first instalment is withdrawn whereas Rs200,000 would be deducted if the third instalment was not submitted.
Preference would be given to those going for the pilgrimage for the first time, according to the minister. As per the new policy, children under the age of 12 will not be allowed to travel for Hajj.
“The traditional long package for the official Hajj scheme will cover 38 to 42 days and the short package will cover 20 to 25 days,” Hussain added.
Pakistan allows Hajj fee payments in installments in new policy
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Pakistan allows Hajj fee payments in installments in new policy
- Pakistan will send 179,210 pilgrims under government scheme and through private operators
- The government will prioritize first-time pilgrims in the official balloting process, minister says
Pakistan, Iran leaders highlight mutual support after both engaged in short wars this year
- Prime Minister Sharif met Iranian President Pezeshkian in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international forum
- Pakistani PM also had an informal interaction with President Putin, discussed regional issue with President Erdogan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday praised the support their countries offered one another during episodes of external aggression this year, according to the state media, as they met on the sidelines of an international peace forum in Turkmenistan.
Pakistan fought a four-day war with India in May, when New Delhi fired missiles at its cities and Islamabad responded with retaliatory strikes. Nearly a month after the conflict, Iran waged its own war with Israel after Tel Aviv carried out attacks inside Iranian territory, prompting Tehran to launch a series of missile and drone barrages in response.
The meeting in Turkmenistan came as Pakistan and Iran seek to steady ties after a period of strained security relations, while also attempting to expand economic cooperation and strengthen border management. The two leaders reviewed regional developments, including Pakistan’s concerns over militant attacks it says originate from Afghanistan, and ongoing diplomatic efforts related to Gaza.
“Both leaders appreciated the strong support that their countries had provided to each other when they had faced external aggression earlier this year,” the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
Sharif highlighted the outcome of the 22nd Pakistan–Iran Joint Economic Commission held this year and urged closer coordination to increase bilateral trade, operationalize border markets, reinforce border security and revive transport links, including the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network.
Pezeshkian, according to the report, said Iran wished to further strengthen ties and thanked Sharif for a “useful and timely exchange of views.”
Sharif also pressed for “meaningful action” from the Afghan Taliban administration to address Pakistan’s security concerns, APP added.
Separately, the Pakistani prime minister met other global leaders attending the forum marking the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025 and Turkmenistan’s Neutrality Day.
He held informal interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed regional issues with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
