Over 20,000 applications received for Hajj 2025 as Pakistan announces reduced airfares

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has received over 20,000 applications for the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage under the Government Hajj Scheme, as of Monday evening. The process of submitting applications continues at designated banks across the country, with the final date for submission set for December 3. A balloting process will take place on December 6 to select the lucky applicants for the sacred journey.

In a bid to accommodate more pilgrims, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has also allocated a special quota of 5,000 seats for overseas Pakistanis, which will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The ministry is urging all eligible applicants to submit their forms ahead of the deadline.

In a significant move to make the Hajj pilgrimage more affordable, the Pakistani government has announced a reduction in airfare for pilgrims. On November 23, it was revealed that the airfare for Hajj 2025 would decrease by $50 per person, providing financial relief of Rs 1.24 billion to the pilgrims. The new fare structure has lowered the ticket price from Rs 234,000 to Rs 220,000, saving approximately Rs 14,000 per individual compared to last year.

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This reduction in airfare is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to make Hajj more accessible for the people of Pakistan. For the second consecutive year, the government has successfully negotiated lower flight costs, benefiting around 89,605 pilgrims. A significant portion, 40 percent, will travel with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), another 40 percent with Saudi Airlines, while the remaining 20 percent will travel with private carriers.

This announcement brings much-needed relief to prospective pilgrims, making the sacred journey more affordable and encouraging many to apply for the Government Hajj Scheme.