To assist citizens with their Hajj applications, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced that designated banks will remain open on Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1, 2024. According to a SBP circular, the banks will be operational from 9 am to 2:30 pm on both days to collect applications and dues from people intending to perform Hajj next year.
Hajj 2025 Application Process and Fees
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has appointed 15 banks to collect Hajj applications and payments from November 18 to December 3, 2024. A total of 179,210 Pakistani citizens will perform Hajj under the government scheme next year. The cost for each pilgrim will range between Rs 1,075,000 and Rs 1,175,000.
Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain confirmed that only citizens over the age of 12 will be eligible to apply for Hajj. Those under 12 will not be allowed to travel.
Read more: Pakistan Launches ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ App to Assist Pilgrims
Payment Details and Refund Policy
Pilgrims will need to pay Rs 200,000 along with their Hajj application. If they are selected through the balloting process, they must deposit an additional Rs 400,000. The remaining amount is due by February 10, 2025. If a pilgrim cancels, they will receive a refund of the first instalment after a Rs 50,000 deduction. However, if the third instalment is not paid, a deduction of Rs 200,000 will be made. No refunds will be issued after February 10, 2025.
The government has also increased the compensation for the heirs of deceased pilgrims from Rs1 million to Rs2 million. Furthermore, the Hajj policy includes special provisions for certain groups. A total of 1,000 seats will be reserved for hardship cases, and 300 seats will be allocated for low-income workers registered under the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) or Workers Welfare Fund.
New Initiatives
The government has introduced the “Road to Makkah” facility at Islamabad and Karachi international airports, aiming to assist with travel for pilgrims. Additionally, a new role of ‘Nazim’ (administrator) has been created for each group of 100 pilgrims. Nazims will be selected from the welfare staff to help manage the groups. Another important initiative is the special Hajj Management App that has been developed to assist pilgrims and their families. Arrangements have also been made for the training of pilgrims so that their Hajj journey is a safe and informed one.
With the opening of designated banks on the weekend for Hajj applications and the introduction of several new initiatives to improve the pilgrimage process, the government aims to make Hajj 2025 a more organized and accessible experience for Pakistani pilgrims.
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