According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have finalized an agreement for Hajj 2025. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and his Saudi counterpart, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah, signed the agreement, allowing 179,210 Pakistanis to perform Hajj this year.
The agreement emphasizes improved facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, including designated spaces at Mina and reduced rates. The Saudi Minister of Hajj has committed to ensuring better amenities for the pilgrims. To enhance the pilgrimage experience, a new, shorter Hajj program ranging from 20 to 25 days has been introduced.
Additionally, a dedicated mobile app will inform pilgrims about their Hajj group details, training schedules, flight details, accommodations in Saudi Arabia, payments, and real-time maps of pilgrimage sites.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has allowed private Hajj organizers to start bookings for Hajj 2025 from January 10 to 31. The ministry’s official website details various Hajj packages, ranging from Rs1.1 million to Rs2.15 million. Premium packages costing over Rs3 million require approval from the Hajj Policy Formulation Committee and will be reported to the FBR and other relevant authorities.
Read: Ministry Sets Start Date for Private Haji 2025 Bookings
Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, announced bookings for private Hajj pilgrims began last Friday. He also cautioned that no private entity is authorized to facilitate visas for beggars, highlighting strict measures against any organization involved with the begging mafia.
Read: Pakistan’s 2025 Hajj Policy: Women Can Go Without Mahram, With Consent
