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people who could not make large payments at once, clarifying that Rs50,000 would be deducted if the first instalment is withdrawn whereas Rs200,000 would be deducted if the third instalment was not submitted.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
In pictures: the slim alleyways of Pakistan’s Mughal-era old Lahore city
- Centuries-old homes were built with small, weathered bricks instead of mud and lean gracefully into the streets
- Many have been restored, painted with frescoes and motifs, allowing the grandeur of the Mughal era to shine anew
LAHORE: In Pakistan, an old saying goes: “He who has not seen Lahore has not been born.”
To feel its heartbeat, one must wander the city’s winding alleyways that are alive with movement and color.
Centuries-old homes were built with small, weathered bricks instead of mud and lean gracefully into the streets, their walls etched with the delicate patterns of history. Many have been restored, painted with frescoes and motifs, allowing the grandeur of the Mughal era to shine anew.
The alleys are narrow, sometimes barely wide enough for one person to pass. But within these tight corridors flows a quiet, enduring rhythm of courtesy, as residents step aside for one another with an unspoken grace.
These streets were made for foot traffic, for summer shade, and for defense — narrow passages slowing invading armies. While massive gates like Delhi Gate were once closed at night, today they remain open, welcoming life to flow uninterrupted round the clock.
