Hajj
Saudi Arabia has officially signed an agreement with Pakistan to host 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims for Hajj in 2025, marking a significant step in the preparations for this holy journey. The agreement was formalized during a ceremony between Pakistan’s Ministry for Religious Affairs and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry for Hajj.
As per the details of the arrangement, the number of Pakistani pilgrims traveling for Hajj this year is set at 179,210. To enhance the experience of Pakistani pilgrims, a dedicated area in Mina has been allocated to them, and the rates for these accommodations have been reduced, ensuring a more affordable pilgrimage for many.
In addition to the accommodation in Mina, the Pakistani pilgrims will also have the flexibility to choose the duration of their stay in Madinah, with options ranging from four to eight days, allowing for a more customized pilgrimage experience.
In a bid to streamline the pilgrimage process, the Ministry for Religious Affairs has introduced a new, shorter Hajj program. This condensed program will last between 20 and 25 days, providing pilgrims with a quicker yet fulfilling experience of the sacred journey.
The Saudi Ministry for Hajj has assured full cooperation in delivering top-tier services to the Pakistani pilgrims, promising to make every effort to ensure a seamless and memorable Hajj experience. The Saudi authorities aim to offer the best possible support, ensuring the comfort and safety of all pilgrims.
In parallel, the Pakistan Ministry for Religious Affairs has granted private Hajj organizing companies, along with their sub-companies, permission to begin bookings for Hajj 2025.
The private Hajj scheme opened for bookings on January 10, 2025, and will continue until January 31, 2025. The ministry has made various Hajj packages available, ranging from basic packages priced between Rs.1.1 million and Rs.2.15 million.
For premium packages exceeding Rs.3 million, approval must be sought from the Hajj Policy Formulation Committee. Private Hajj operators are expected to adhere to the Service Provider Agreement (SPA) when handling bookings for pilgrims.
The introduction of these packages and the increased attention to providing a more efficient and comfortable pilgrimage experience reflects the ongoing efforts by both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to ensure a fulfilling Hajj journey for all participants.
