The federal cabinet approved Hajj Policy 2025 on Tuesday, following the advice of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
The clearance was given during a federal cabinet meeting convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
According to information obtained from a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the government and the private sector would split Pakistan’s 2025 Hajj quota of 179,210 evenly.
Children under the age of twelve will not be permitted to travel for the Hajj this year, under the Hajj Policy 2025.
According to the PMO statement, “computerized balloting will be undertaken for the government quota, with 300 seats allotted for low-income workers registered with the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) or Workers’ Welfare Fund, and 1,000 seats set aside for hardship cases.”
The “Road to Makkah” facility would be made available at the international airports in Karachi and Islamabad, the gathering was informed.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will sign service provider agreements with Hajj group organizers in the meantime, and the services provided by these organizers will be rigorously watched.
The establishment of a new position called “Nazim” to supervise the provision of better amenities for pilgrims was communicated to the government. According to the statement, “one Nazim will be appointed for every 100 pilgrims, chosen from the welfare staff.”
Additionally, the federal cabinet was notified that there has been an increase in compensation for Hajj pilgrims who die or are hurt while doing the trip.
“Injured pilgrims will receive Rs1 million, while the families of deceased pilgrims will now receive Rs2 million, an increase from Rs1 million,” the statement stated.
Additionally, for the convenience of pilgrims, a unique Hajj management application has been created, and specific plans have been prepared for their training.
