Islamabad (Web Desk): The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have reached an agreement to transport 35,000 Hajj pilgrims in 2025.
According to the arrangement, PIA will operate special flights from six cities—Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Sukkur—to transport pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
The agreement was formalized by PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat and Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
In a statement, the PIA CEO affirmed the airline’s dedication to offering exceptional service to Hajj pilgrims, ensuring a comfortable journey to the holy land.
The Federal Cabinet recently approved the Hajj Policy for 2025, which sets the cost of the pilgrimage between Rs10.75 lakh and Rs11.75 lakh. An additional Rs55,000 will be charged for the sacrifice, separate from the standard Hajj package.
This year, Pakistan’s total Hajj quota stands at 179,210, split equally between the government and private sector. Notably, children under 12 will be ineligible to travel for Hajj.
The government’s selection process includes computerized balloting for the government quota, with 1,000 seats reserved for hardship cases and 300 seats for low-income workers who are registered with the Workers Welfare Fund or the Employees Old Age Benefit Institution.
Meanwhile, the “Road to Makkah” service will be offered at Islamabad and Karachi international airports to facilitate smoother travel. Hajj group organizers will sign service agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and will be carefully monitored to ensure high-quality service provision.
As per the new policy, pilgrims can pay their Hajj expenses in instalments. A down payment of Rs200,000 is required with the application, with an additional Rs400,000 to be paid within 14 days of selection. The remaining balance must be settled by February 10, 2025.
For female pilgrims, the policy allows travel without a Mahram, provided a declaration is submitted by their father or husband.
Additionally, 5,000 seats will be available under the government’s "Dollar Scheme" to support pilgrims with foreign currency needs.
