The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced that private group bookings for Hajj 2025 will begin on January 10. In a video statement, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi confirmed that after the settlement of pending matters, private Hajj bookings will open. He further stated that the government will work to improve arrangements for both the government quota and private Hajj pilgrims, ensuring a smoother process.
Ashrafi emphasized the importance of adhering to both Saudi Arabian and Pakistani laws for those wishing to undertake the pilgrimage. His comments come after a key meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, which involved Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Secretary of Religious Affairs Zulfiqar Haider, and Chairman of HOAP Nasser Khan.
Also Read: Government Plans to Step Back from Hajj Arrangements, Hand Over to Private Operators
In addition, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that women wishing to perform Hajj without a male guardian (mahram) will need approval from their husbands or parents. This follows a statement issued on Tuesday, which outlined this requirement for female pilgrims.
In a related development, Dr. Zulfiqar Haider, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, indicated that the government plans to eventually withdraw from handling Hajj arrangements. Starting in 2026, the government may allocate the entire Hajj program to private operators. Haider mentioned that Saudi Arabia had reduced the number of Hajj-operating companies from 500 to 162 last year, signaling a shift towards private sector involvement.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has mandated polio vaccinations for travelers from Pakistan and several other countries, including Afghanistan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique. Passengers from these nations must present a valid polio vaccination certificate upon entry to Saudi Arabia.
