Hajj 2025: More than 15,000 apply in first six days

Highest number of applications came from Lahore, followed by Islamabad

The government-run Hajj scheme has received 15,844 applications in the first six days, according to official figures.

The highest number of applications came from Lahore, with 5,118 applicants, followed by Islamabad with 5,485 and Karachi with 3,053.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also activated the ‘Pak Hajj’ mobile app, designed to support pilgrims with registration, guidance, and assistance throughout their journey.

Pilgrims can use their national ID and Hajj application numbers to access app features.

Under an official agreement, 200,000 Pakistanis are expected to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in the upcoming season.

The ministry’s new app aims to simplify the process, providing essential information directly to users’ smartphones, and is part of an initiative to improve Hajj services for Pakistani pilgrims.

Hajj becomes more affordable as airfare drops

 

In a major step towards reducing the cost of Hajj for 2025, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has secured a significant reduction in airfare for pilgrims.

According to local media sources, each Haji will now pay $50 less for their flight compared to last year. In 2024, the cost per Haji was set at $850, a figure which has now been reduced.

The ministry has negotiated a new deal with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), fixing the cost of each ticket at $800 for 35,000 pilgrims.

This deal is part of a larger effort to make Hajj more affordable for Pakistani citizens. Additionally, Saudi Airlines will also transport 35,000 pilgrims to the holy sites.

The decision is seen as a step in the right direction for making Hajj more accessible, particularly given the rising costs of travel and accommodation in recent years.

The reduction in airfare is expected to ease the financial burden on pilgrims, many of whom have struggled with the increasing costs of performing the pilgrimage.