The new Hajj Policy 2025, approved by the Pakistani federal cabinet, will allow 179,210 Pakistani nationals to perform the Hajj next year.
The policy introduced significant changes to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims while limiting the pilgrimage to individuals aged 12 and above.
A key aspect of the policy is the appointment of Nazims, or administrators, to ensure smooth organization and assistance for the pilgrims. According to the cabinet’s plan, one Nazim will oversee every 100 pilgrims, chosen from among the welfare staff.
Additionally, 1,000 seats are reserved for hardship cases, and 300 seats are allocated for laborers and low-income workers registered under the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution and Workers Welfare Fund.
The new policy will also prioritize individuals who will be performing Haj for the first time and were unsuccessful in last year’s balloting.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting, where it was confirmed that selection under the government quota will occur through a computerized balloting process. To assist applicants who faced rejection last year, the cabinet has recommended giving priority to those who were previously unsuccessful in the lottery.
Among the facilitation measures introduced, the “Road-to-Makkah” initiative will be available at Islamabad and Karachi airports, streamlining immigration procedures for pilgrims. A specialized Hajj Management App has also been developed to provide updated information and assist with training for the pilgrimage.
The policy emphasizes the ministry’s role in closely monitoring Hajj group organizers, requiring them to sign service agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The cabinet underscored the importance of maintaining rigorous oversight to ensure pilgrims receive high-quality services throughout their journey.
In a move to increase support for families affected by accidents during Hajj, the cabinet doubled the compensation for heirs of deceased pilgrims, raising it from Rs1 million to Rs2 million. Injured individuals will now receive Rs1 million as compensation.
Additionally, the meeting granted post facto approval on the finance ministry’s recommendation to transition the Foreign Commercial Financing Facility from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).