Private bookings for Hajj 2025 in Pakistan will commence from January 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs during a recent meeting.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain chaired a significant meeting on private Hajj arrangements attended by key figures, including Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, Secretary of Religious Affairs, and Chairman HOAP Nasir Khan.
The meeting focused on private Hajj operations, where agreements were reached through mutual consensus. It was decided that group bookings for private pilgrims would start on January 10. Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi highlighted the necessity of complying with the laws of both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Previously, the government had extended the deadline for submitting Hajj forms three times to fulfil the required quota, yet only 82,000 applications were received by the end of this period.
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The Ministry of Religious Affairs has deemed all applicants successful but is now devising strategies to fill the remaining 7,000 quota slots. Options under consideration include reopening the application process or allocating these slots to private Hajj operators.
In December 2024, the ministry set a deadline for Hajj 2025 applications, accepting submissions until December 17 at designated banks nationwide.
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Applications will be processed on a “first come, first served” basis. The second instalment of Hajj 2025 dues is due from December 19 to December 27.
The ministry advises downloading the “Pak Hajj” mobile app to stay updated.
Following a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the State Bank of Pakistan directed 15 designated banks to keep relevant branches open, including Sundays, to help intending pilgrims submit their Hajj applications and dues for Hajj 2025.
