The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that all the applications received under the government Hajj scheme for 2025 have been accepted.
This decision comes after the ministry declared all applications received by the end of the third extension of Hajj applications as approved.
According to officials, a total of 82,000 Hajj applications were received by the end of the third extension period, falling 7,000 short of the allocated quota. Despite the shortfall, the ministry has assured that every applicant has been approved.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is actively working to fill the remaining 7,000 slots in the government Hajj quota. Two options are currently under consideration:
- Reopening the application process for the unclaimed quota.
- Allocating the remaining slots to private Hajj operators.
A final decision on this matter is expected soon, as preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage continue.
The deadline for submitting applications for Hajj 2025 expired on Tuesday. As per the ministry's statement, aspirant pilgrims can deposit the second instalment of their Hajj dues from December 19 to 27 in 15 designated banks.
Also Read: Hajj 2025: Application deadline ends, instalment dates announced!
Under the Hajj 2025 government scheme, a total of 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj. The cost for each pilgrim ranges between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000.
For the application process, pilgrims must submit Rs200,000 along with the application and another Rs400,000 after being selected through a balloting process. The remaining amount is due by February 10, 2025.
In case of cancellation, the ministry has stated that a Rs50,000 deduction will apply to the first instalment, and Rs200,000 will be deducted if the third instalment is not paid. No refunds will be provided after February 10, 2025.
Additionally, the government has increased the compensation for the heirs of deceased pilgrims from Rs1 million to Rs2 million. Moreover, 1,000 seats will be allocated for hardship cases and 300 seats will be reserved for low-income employees registered under the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI).
