ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy for 2025, setting the framework for Pakistan’s participation in the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
The policy was endorsed in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today.
Under the newly approved Hajj Policy, Pakistan’s official quota for the 2025 pilgrimage will be 179,210, which will be split evenly between the government and the private sector, with each sector receiving 50% of the total quota. The cabinet also announced that children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to travel for Hajj this year.
A computerized balloting process will be conducted for the government quota, ensuring a fair and transparent selection of pilgrims. Additionally, 1,000 seats will be reserved for hardship cases, and 300 seats will be designated specifically for workers or low-income employees who are registered with the Workers Welfare Fund or the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution.
The cabinet was informed that the “Road to Makkah” initiative will be available at both Islamabad and Karachi airports, streamlining the departure process for pilgrims. Hajj group organizers will be required to sign service agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and their performance will be closely monitored to ensure the highest standard of service delivery.
In a significant step to enhance the Hajj experience, the government has introduced a new position of “Nazim” (supervisor), who will be responsible for overseeing the well-being and provision of services to the pilgrims. One Nazim will be appointed for every 100 pilgrims, and these supervisors will be selected from the welfare staff.
The cabinet also approved an increase in compensation for pilgrims who suffer injury or death during Hajj. Families of deceased pilgrims will receive between 1 million and 2 million rupees, while injured pilgrims will be compensated with 1 million rupees.
To further support the pilgrimage, a special Hajj management mobile application has been developed to assist pilgrims with real-time information, and training arrangements have been made to help them better prepare for the journey.
Additionally, the cabinet directed that priority in the Hajj balloting be given to individuals who will be performing Hajj for the first time, ensuring that new pilgrims are given an opportunity to undertake this important religious journey. The meeting concluded with instructions to take all necessary measures to guarantee the best possible facilities and services for Pakistani pilgrims.
