The deadline to submit applications for Hajj 2025 under the Pakistan government scheme is today, Tuesday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced. Saudi Arabia has allocated a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan, with the slots equally divided between the government and private schemes. The government had previously extended the application deadline from December 3 to December 10.
By December 10, the ministry had received 79,000 applications and decided to continue accepting submissions on a first-come, first-served basis for the remaining seats. The final submission date for applications at designated banks is today, December 17. Applications received by the deadline will be considered successful.
This year, the religious affairs ministry introduced the option for pilgrims to pay their Hajj fees in installments. The first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) is due with the application, followed by a second installment of Rs400,000 ($1,435) between December 19 and 27. The remaining balance must be paid by February 10, 2025.
To assist pilgrims, the ministry has launched the ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ mobile app, available for both Android and iPhone users. Additionally, the government has announced a reduction in airfare for Hajj 2025, with ticket prices dropping by Rs14,000 ($50). Pilgrims enrolled in the government program will now pay Rs220,000 for airfare, down from Rs234,000 last year. This reduction has been supported by the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines, and other private airlines.
As of December 10, 79,000 applications had been received, leaving 10,605 government scheme slots vacant. Last year, Pakistan returned 21,000 Hajj seats to Saudi Arabia due to a lack of applications, but this year, the government is hopeful that all available slots will be filled.
