The government has begun issuing refunds worth Rs 3.45 billion to Haj pilgrims who performed the pilgrimage this year under the regular government scheme. The announcement was made by Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf.
According to the ministry, the refund process will be completed by October 31. About 75% of pilgrims, totaling 66,000 out of 84,960 individuals, will receive refunds ranging from Rs 12,000 to Rs 110,000. The remaining 25%, approximately 21,900 pilgrims, who enjoyed superior accommodations and facilities, are not eligible for reimbursement.
The ministry provided a detailed breakdown of refunds: 14% of pilgrims will receive Rs 12,000 each, 16% will get Rs 25,000, 10% will receive Rs 75,000, 12% will get Rs 90,000, and 408 pilgrims will be awarded Rs 110,000 each.
Minister Sardar Yousuf highlighted that, for the first time, pilgrims were provided air-conditioned accommodations at Mina, including gypsum walls and folding mattresses. He also noted that the Haj quota under the regular scheme was increased by 30,000 this year.
Bookings under both government and private Haj schemes have now been completed. For the upcoming Haj, the short stay package is priced at Rs 1.2 million, while a 40-day package will cost Rs 1.15 million. The second installment of Rs 650,000 must be deposited through designated banks between November 3 and November 15.
Each pilgrim will also receive a Saudi SIM card offering 300 to 600 free internet minutes. Minister Sardar Yousuf thanked the Saudi Minister for Haj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, and the Saudi Ambassador, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, for their support in facilitating Pakistani pilgrims during Haj 2025.
In other related news also read Government Approves Refunds for Pilgrims Missing Hajj
The government’s initiative ensures that Haj pilgrims receive timely refunds while maintaining high standards of accommodation and services during their pilgrimage.
