The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that all applications submitted under the government Hajj scheme for 2025 have been accepted. This follows the approval of all applications received by the end of the third extension for Hajj applications.
A total of 82,000 applications were submitted by the deadline, 7,000 fewer than the allocated quota. Despite the shortfall, the ministry has assured that all applicants will be approved. To fill the remaining 7,000 slots in the government’s Hajj quota, two options are being considered:
- Reopening the application process for the unclaimed slots.
- Allocating the remaining spots to private Hajj operators.
A final decision will be made soon as preparations for the pilgrimage continue.
The deadline for submitting Hajj applications ended on Tuesday. Aspiring pilgrims can pay the second instalment of their Hajj dues between December 19 and 27 at 15 designated banks.
Read More: Hajj Policy 2025: Government Hajj Cost for Pakistanis?
For the 2025 Hajj government scheme, a total of 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj, with costs ranging from Rs1,075,000 to Rs1,175,000 per pilgrim. The payment structure includes an initial Rs200,000 with the application, a further Rs400,000 after the ballot selection, and the remaining balance by February 10, 2025.
In case of cancellations, a Rs50,000 deduction will apply to the first instalment, while Rs200,000 will be deducted if the third instalment is not paid. No refunds will be issued after February 10, 2025.
Additionally, the government has increased compensation for the heirs of deceased pilgrims from Rs1 million to Rs2 million. Furthermore, 1,000 seats will be allocated for hardship cases, and 300 seats will be reserved for low-income employees registered under the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI).
