Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink Hajj agreement 2025 for nearly 180,000 pilgrims

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia finalised an agreement for Hajj 2025, with 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims set to undertake the annual pilgrimage. The government has committed to providing top-tier facilities for the pilgrims.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, measures have been taken to ensure top-notch services for Pakistani Hajj participants.

To enhance convenience and comfort, a new 20-25 day condensed Hajj program has been introduced. Pakistani pilgrims will receive designated accommodations in Mina, and the costs for the pilgrimage will be reduced.

Pilgrims will have the option to choose accommodation in Medina for a stay ranging from four to eight days.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj also announced that all necessary information for the pilgrims will be accessible through a dedicated mobile app.

“Each pilgrim will receive a specially designed bag containing the Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and relevant information,” according to the agreement.

“A special mobile app will provide all information to the pilgrims on their mobile phones, enabling them to stay updated about their Hajj group’s information, training schedule, flight details, accommodations in Saudi Arabia, and live maps and locations of sites during Hajj,” it added. 

Earlier, during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, the Secretary for Religious Affairs mentioned that efforts are underway to keep Hajj expenses below Rs1.1 million. 

Representatives from private Hajj operators attended the meeting, where it was revealed that over 900 operators are currently active.

The private sector has been involved in Hajj operations for over two decades. However, the ministry urged private operators to reduce their package rates.

Private Hajj operators argued that other countries’ missions sign long-term agreements with Saudi authorities, which allows for better cost management. They requested permission to negotiate similar agreements to bring their rates down.

The Saudi government, they added, suggested that the quota for each operator should be 2,000 pilgrims.

 The ministry responded, stating that Saudi authorities asked to raise the quota to 3,000 pilgrims per operator, which has temporarily been put on hold. 

Next year, this quota is expected to increase to 2,500, eventually reaching 3,000.

The Secretary further explained that a policy is being developed in line with Saudi guidelines, with plans to abolish the quota system gradually.

He clarified that the ministry is not shutting down any businesses but expressed concerns private operators selling packages to pilgrims at exorbitant rates.