The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have signed an agreement to transport 35,000 Hajj pilgrims in 2025.
Under the deal, PIA will operate special flights from six cities—Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Sukkur—to transport pilgrims to the holy land.
The agreement was signed by PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat and Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Hayat emphasized PIA’s commitment to providing excellent service to Hajj pilgrims.
Recently, the Federal Cabinet approved the Hajj Policy for 2025, with pilgrimage costs ranging between Rs10.75 lakh and Rs11.75 lakh. Additionally, a sacrifice amount of Rs55,000 will be added to the overall package.
Read: 2025 Hajj Policy Announced: Costs, Applications, and New Regulations
Pakistan’s Hajj quota for 2025 is 179,210, split equally between the government and the private sector. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to travel.
The government will conduct computerized balloting for the government quota. It has set aside 1,000 seats for hardship cases and 300 for low-income workers registered with the Workers Welfare Fund or Employees Old Age Benefits Institution.
Under the 2025 policy, pilgrims can pay their Hajj expenses in instalments. The application requires a down payment of Rs200,000. Successful applicants will need to pay an additional Rs400,000 within 14 days. The remaining balance is due by February 10, 2025.
Women pilgrims will be allowed to travel without a Mahram, provided a declaration from their father or husband is submitted. The government’s scheme will also cover 5,000 pilgrims under the “Dollar Scheme.”
