The federal cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy 2025, introducing key changes and setting new guidelines for next year’s pilgrimage. The policy outlines the expected costs and other significant updates for Pakistani pilgrims.
According to official sources, the cost of the government-sponsored Hajj package is projected to range between Rs1.75 million and Rs11.75 million. A total of 179,000 pilgrims from Pakistan will be allowed to perform Hajj, with the quota equally divided between government schemes and private tour operators—each receiving 89,605 slots.
Special allocations have been made for certain groups, including 1,000 slots reserved under the hardship category and 300 for low-income workers registered with the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).
Pilgrims will also have the option to choose between two different durations for their Hajj experience. They can opt for a longer trip lasting between 38 and 42 days, or a shorter one ranging from 20 to 25 days.
One significant change in the new guidelines is the prohibition of children under the age of 12 from participating in the pilgrimage. Additionally, women who wish to perform Hajj without a male guardian (Mahram) will be allowed to do so under specific conditions laid out by the Islamic Ideological Council.
To further facilitate the pilgrims, the “Road to Makkah” initiative—designed to simplify the immigration process—will be available at three major airports: Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
The policy has been met with approval, as it seeks to ensure a smoother and more organized pilgrimage experience for Pakistani citizens in 2025.
