Govt to introduce installment plan for Hajj pilgrims

The government has announced a Hajj installment plan to assist low-income and middle-class citizens planning to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage. 

According to the sources, the plan allows the pilgrims to pay Hajj expenses in three installments, as it is a part of the government’s broader Hajj policy. 

Under the latest structure, the total expenses of Hajj Rs1.1 million will be paid in three installments. Initially, an application deposit of Rs200,000 will be required.

The pilgrims will be selected via a lucky draw, after which the pilgrims will pay Rs400,000, and the remaining amount of Rs500,000 will be paid before departure.

“Installment plan aims to alleviate the financial strain often faced by lower and middle-income groups, making Hajj more accessible to them.

Earlier, the government had announced sponsored Hajj packages ranging from Rs1.75 million to Rs11.75 million. The policy allocates 179,000 pilgrims Hajj quota, almost half of which would get service from private tour operators.

Under the new policy for pilgrims, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate in the pilgrimage. 

Apart from this, the government has also announced two packages of long trips consisting of 38 to 42 days, and shorter trips 20-25 days.