The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have signed an agreement to transport 35,000 Hajj pilgrims in 2025. PIA will operate special flights from six cities—Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Sukkur—to facilitate the journey to Saudi Arabia. This agreement, aimed at enhancing services for Hajj pilgrims, was signed by PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat and Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
According to the recently approved Hajj Policy for 2025, the cost of the pilgrimage has been set between Rs10.75 lakh and Rs11.75 lakh, with an additional Rs55,000 for the mandatory animal sacrifice. Pakistan’s Hajj quota for the year is 179,210 pilgrims, split equally between the government and private sectors. The policy includes several provisions:
- Computerized Balloting: The government quota will be distributed through computerized balloting, with 1,000 seats reserved for hardship cases and 300 seats for workers registered under low-income schemes like the Workers Welfare Fund or Employees Old Age Benefit Institution.
- “Road to Makkah” Initiative: This facility, simplifying immigration processes, will be available at the Islamabad and Karachi international airports.
- Payment in Installments: Pilgrims can pay in instalments, starting with a Rs200,000 down payment with their application. An additional Rs400,000 must be paid within 14 days of being selected, and the remaining balance must be cleared by February 10, 2025.
- Mahram Policy: Women will be allowed to perform Hajj without a Mahram (male guardian), provided they submit a declaration from a father or husband.
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The government also plans to include 5,000 pilgrims under a “Dollar Scheme” as part of the overall Hajj arrangements. Hajj group organizers will sign service agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and be closely monitored to ensure they provide satisfactory services to the pilgrims.
