ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain has arrived in Saudi Arabia on a three-day visit to attend the Global Hajj and Umrah Conference and Expo, and sign the Hajj Agreement 2025, the Pakistani religious affairs ministry said on Sunday.
The fourth edition of the Global Hajj and Umrah Conference and Expo, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is being held in Jeddah on Jan. 13-16.
Hussain will deliver a speech at the conference, which will have participation of ministers, distinguished personalities, and diplomats from 90 countries.
“The conference aims to enhance services for pilgrims and promote transparency and competitiveness in related industries,” the Pakistani religious affairs ministry said in a statement.
“It will feature 47 panel discussions, 50 workshops, and exhibitions showcasing the latest Hajj technologies and services with 280 displays.”
On Sunday, Hussain also met with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umra Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabi’ah and the two figures reviewed arrangements for Hajj 2025. He praised the efforts of the Saudi leadership in providing excellent facilities to pilgrims.
“There is further potential to strengthen economic and investment cooperation between the two countries,” Hussain was quoted as saying by his ministry.
“This year, measures have been taken to provide better facilities for Pakistani pilgrims compared to previous years, and instructions have been given to the Hajj Affairs Office in Jeddah to ensure the best services for the pilgrims.”
Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain (center left) meets Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umra Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabi’ah (center right) in Jeddah on January 11, 2025. (@MORAisbOfficial/X)
The Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister remarked that a large number of pilgrims come from Pakistan each year, and assured that every possible cooperation would be provided to Pakistani pilgrims, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry.
Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota of 179,210 Hajj pilgrims for Pakistan in 2025, divided equally between government and private schemes.
For the first time, Pakistan’s Hajj policy allowed pilgrims last year to make payments in installments. Under this scheme, the first installment of Rs 200,000 ($717) had to be submitted with the application, the second installment of Rs 400,000 ($1,435) within 10 days of balloting and the remaining amount by February 10 this year.
The Pakistani religious affairs ministry has also launched the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile application, available for both Android and iPhone users, to guide pilgrims. Additionally, the government announced a reduction in airfare, lowering ticket prices for federal program pilgrims to Rs 220,000, down from last year’s Rs 234,000.
Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines, and private carriers have agreed to transport pilgrims this year.
