Government to Scrutinize Sources of Income for Hajj 2025 Pilgrims Under Private Schemes
The federal government has initiated measures to monitor the sources of income for pilgrims planning to perform Hajj 2025 under private schemes, particularly those opting for packages priced above Rs. 3 million.
Read More: Hajj Policy 2025: Government Hajj Cost for Pakistanis?
Key Points:
- Private Tour Operators’ Role: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed private tour operators to provide detailed information about pilgrims opting for packages exceeding Rs. 3 million. This data will be forwarded to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), law enforcement agencies, and the Hajj Policy Formulation Committee (HPFC) for further scrutiny and clearance.
- Focal Person Appointed: The Ministry has appointed a focal person responsible for reviewing the credentials of pilgrims spending more than Rs. 3 million on their Hajj journey.
- Clearance Process: While there will be no outright restrictions on private Hajj packages priced over Rs. 3 million, all relevant data will be shared with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the FBR. The FBR has the authority to investigate the financial sources of these pilgrims even after they have completed their Hajj.
- Hajj Packages: The Government of Pakistan’s official Hajj package for 2025 is estimated to cost between Rs. 1,075,000 and Rs. 1,175,000. In contrast, private tour operators have introduced about 9 different packages, starting at Rs. 1.07 million, with higher-end options available for those seeking luxury accommodations.
This move by the government is part of an ongoing effort to ensure transparency and to monitor the financial sources of those spending significant amounts on religious pilgrimages.
