ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday, approved the Hajj Policy for 2025, following recommendations from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. The approval was given during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2025 has been set at 179,210, with the quota divided equally between government and private sector arrangements. As part of the policy, children under the age of 12 will not be allowed to travel for Hajj this year. To manage the government’s quota, a computerized balloting system will be used, with 1,000 seats reserved for hardship cases and an additional 300 seats allocated to low-income workers registered with the Workers’ Welfare Fund or Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).
The cabinet also announced the continuation of the “Road to Makkah” initiative, which will be available at both Islamabad and Karachi international airports to facilitate smoother travel for Pakistani pilgrims. In a bid to improve the overall Hajj experience, a new position of “Nazim” will be created to oversee the welfare of pilgrims. One Nazim will be appointed for every 100 pilgrims, selected from the welfare staff, to ensure better support during the pilgrimage.
In addition, compensation for pilgrims who pass away or are injured during the Hajj journey has been significantly increased. The families of deceased pilgrims will now receive Rs 2 million, up from Rs 1 million, while injured pilgrims will be compensated with Rs 1 million.
To further enhance the experience for Hajj participants, a new Hajj management application has been launched, providing greater convenience and support to pilgrims, with special arrangements made for their training.
The cabinet also emphasized that priority in the Hajj balloting will be given to individuals performing Hajj for the first time, ensuring they have the opportunity to undertake this important religious journey.
In a separate development, the cabinet approved the transition of Pakistan’s foreign commercial financing from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), based on a recommendation from the Ministry of Finance and Revenue.
