PIA to transport 35,000 Hajj pilgrims in 2025

Pakistan to send 35,000 official Hajj pilgrims via PIA in 2025 under new deal

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The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have signed an agreement to transport 35,000 Hajj pilgrims in 2025.

Under the deal, PIA will operate special flights from six cities—Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Sukkur—to transport the pilgrims to the holy land, Express News reported.

The agreement was signed by PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat and Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The CEO reaffirmed PIA's commitment to providing the best possible services to Hajj pilgrims.

The Federal Cabinet recently approved the Hajj Policy for 2025, setting the cost for pilgrimage between Rs10.75 lakhs and Rs11.75 lakhs. The sacrifice amount of Rs55,000 will be in addition to the Hajj expenses package.

This year's Hajj quota for Pakistan is 179,210, divided equally between the government and private sector. Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed to travel for Hajj.

As part of the policy, computerised balloting will be conducted for the government quota, with 1,000 seats reserved for hardship cases and 300 for workers from low-income backgrounds registered with the Workers Welfare Fund or Employees Old Age Benefit Institution.

The "Road to Makkah" facility will be available at the international airports in Islamabad and Karachi. Hajj group organizers will sign service provider agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and these organizers will be closely monitored regarding the provision of services.

Under the 2025 Hajj policy, pilgrims will be allowed to pay their expenses in instalments. A down payment of Rs200,000 is required with the application, and successful applicants must pay an additional Rs400,000 within 14 days. The remaining balance must be paid by February 10, 2025.

For women pilgrims, the policy allows travel without a Mahram, provided a declaration is submitted by a father or husband. The government scheme will also cater to 5,000 pilgrims under the "Dollar Scheme."