Around 90,000 Pilgrims to Perform Hajj 2025 Under Government Scheme, Confirms Minister

LAHORE – Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, has officially announced that approximately 90,000 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj 2025 under the Government Hajj Scheme. The announcement was made during a press conference in Lahore on Sunday as preparations for the holy journey gain momentum.

This update follows the signing of the annual Hajj agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia earlier this year, which allocated a total of 179,210 Hajj slots to Pakistani pilgrims. With one of the largest quotas in the Muslim world, Pakistan continues to be a major contributor to the global Hajj community.

Nazim Role Introduced for Better Pilgrim Management

A major reform under the Hajj Policy 2025 is the introduction of a new position called “Nazim” (Administrator). One Nazim will be appointed for every 100 pilgrims and will be selected from welfare staff to provide on-ground assistance and coordination throughout the Hajj journey. This aims to improve organization, communication, and crisis management for Pakistani Hajj groups.

Furthermore, the government has allocated 1,000 seats for hardship cases and 300 seats for low-income workers and pensioners registered under EOBI (Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution) and Workers Welfare Fund.

Flight Operations and Training for Pilgrims

Hajj flights are set to commence on May 28, 2025, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs will deploy officers at all major airports nationwide to facilitate the departure process. The minister highlighted that pilgrim training programs are being held across the country to ensure all pilgrims are well-informed about the rituals, protocols, and practical aspects of performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

He also revealed that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj has promised to provide “excellent arrangements” for Pakistani pilgrims this year.

Cost and Duration

Under the Government Hajj Scheme, pilgrims will be able to choose between:

• Long Stay Package: 38–42 days

• Short Stay Package: 20–25 days

The cost is expected to range between Rs. 1,075,000 and Rs. 1,175,000, with an additional Rs. 55,000 for Qurbani (sacrifice). Pilgrims opting for upgraded accommodations in Makkah will pay an extra:

• Rs. 75,000 for double-bed

• Rs. 220,000 for triple-bed facilities

Private group organizers must manage a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims per group as per new Saudi regulations.

Policy Restrictions

To maintain discipline and safety:

• Women will require the consent of their husbands or parents to perform Hajj.

• Children under 12 will not be allowed to undertake the journey.

• All pilgrims must be immunized with Saudi-approved vaccines.