Govt reduces Hajj package cost

Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Tuesday announced a significant reduction in Hajj package costs.

Addressing a news conference at the ministry, he said that the cost of the 40-day long Hajj package has been reduced by Rs25,000, bringing the total to Rs1,050,000. Pilgrims opting for the package will need to pay a third installment of Rs450,000.

Similarly, the minister said the 25-day short Hajj package has been further reduced by Rs50,000, setting the new price at Rs1,100,000. The third installment for this package will be Rs500,000.

He said all pilgrims are required to submit their third installment at the designated banks between February 6 to 14. The ministry has ensured that every pilgrim will receive a notification regarding their payment status through the 'Pak Hajj' mobile application, he added.

In another major development, the minister announced refund of over Rs4.75 billion to the pilgrims who performed Hajj in 2024. He said the refunds have been categorised into seven different groups, based on factors such as accommodation in Mina, lodging in Makkah, and Maktab C allocation. Additionally, savings from Qurbani refunds and airfare reductions are also being passed on to the pilgrims.

Highlighting the statistics of the refund process, the minister said 14 per cent of the pilgrims (9,588 individuals) will receive Rs20,000, five per cent (3,358 individuals) will receive Rs35,000, 19 per cent (12,981 individuals) will receive Rs50,000, 23 per cent (16,037 individuals) will receive Rs75,000, 26 per cent (17,828 individuals) will receive Rs90,000, 10 per cent (6,784 individuals) will receive Rs110,000, and three per cent (2,228 individuals) will receive Rs140,000.

The refunds will be transferred through the designated bank branches. The minister confirmed that the transfer of funds to nominated banks will commence within the next two days.