Hajj 2025: Pakistan announces application schedule

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced the application schedule for Hajj 2025, with submissions opening on November 18.

According to the ministry, the application period will run from November 18 to December 3, and the lottery for selection will be conducted on December 6.

Officials have clarified that applicants must ensure their passports are valid until December 6, 2025, to be eligible.

Additionally, first-time applicants will receive priority under the regular scheme.

The estimated expenses for undertaking Hajj are projected to range between 1,075,000 and 1,175,000 Pakistani Rupees.

To embark on the sacred journey, a pilgrim is required to provide an initial sum of Rs200,000 upon submitting the Hajj application.

Upon successful selection through balloting, a further deposit of Rs400,000 is to be made. The remaining payments are to be settled by February 10, 2025.

If there is a need to cancel, a deduction of Rs50,000 will be applied before refunding the first installment.

On the other hand, if the third installment is not paid, Rs200,000 will be deducted. Please note that refunds will not be processed after February 10, 2025.

According to the policy, the minister mentioned that the compensation for the deceased's heirs has been raised from Rs1 million to Rs2 million.

Last week, the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the Hajj Policy 2025.