ISLAMABAD – The federal government has announced setting up special desks at the passport office across the country to facilitate the Hajj pilgrims.
Under the new facility, passports will be issued to the pilgrims within just 24 hours, Director General of Immigration and Passport Mustafa Jamal Qazi said.
He said the facility will be available at all regional offices, including the headquarters, adding that overseas Pakistanis would also be able to get the facility at passport offices in embassies around the world.
Earlier this month, Minister for Religious Affairs Salik Hussain said that 179,210 pilgrims from Pakistan will perform Hajj in 2025, adding that Hajj quota has been split with a ratio of 50:50 between the government and private Hajj schemes.
The minister said 89,605 seats have been reserved each for the government and the private Hajj schemes.
Hajj 2025 Cost
Hussain said the cost for the Hajj under government scheme is expected to range between Rs1,075,000 to Rs1,175,000, while the additional cost for the sacrifice will be Rs55,000.
Talking about residence facilities, he said applicants opting for double-bed and triple-bed accommodations in Makkah will need to deposit an additional amount as per the policy.
Hajj 2025 Installment Plan
While unveiling the installment plan for Hajj 2025, he said intending pilgrims will pay first tranche of Rs200,000 along with the Hajj application under the Government Hajj Scheme.
The second installment of Rs400,000 must be deposited within ten days of the balloting. He further said the remaining amount must be deposited by February 10 next year.
The minister said there will be no deduction for refunds if an application is withdrawn before the last date of submission. However, there will be a deduction of Rs50,000 on refund of the first installment after the balloting. A deduction of 200,000 will be made if the third installment is not deposited.
The minister said no refund of the remaining amount will be made after February 10 next year. However, in case of the applicant’s death, the aforementioned deductions will not be applied, state broadcaster reported.
