Islamabad: In a major development for religious pilgrims, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs announced that a total of 90,000 Pakistanis will be able to perform Hajj under the official government scheme in 2025. This year’s initiative comes as part of Pakistan’s efforts to ensure that the holy pilgrimage remains accessible and affordable for its citizens.
The minister emphasized that the government had worked on reducing the financial burden on pilgrims by providing subsidized packages. These packages will include travel, accommodation, and other necessary services during the pilgrimage, making it a seamless experience for all those participating.
“We are committed to ensuring that the sacred journey of Hajj is within reach for every Muslim in Pakistan. This year, 90,000 slots have been allocated under the official government scheme, and we have taken measures to ensure the process remains transparent and fair,” the Federal Minister said during a press briefing.
The announcement also highlighted that the government would strictly follow a transparent selection process to allocate Hajj quotas to the applicants. In addition, the minister assured that safety measures and health protocols would be strictly adhered to during the pilgrimage to ensure the well-being of all participants.
The federal government has previously faced criticism for the high cost of performing Hajj, but this new initiative is expected to make the religious journey more attainable for the average Pakistani. More details regarding the application process, travel dates, and package costs will be shared soon, according to officials.
This announcement is seen as a significant step towards easing the financial strain on families who have been eagerly waiting to fulfill their religious duties.