ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that refunds amounting to Rs3.45 billion will be processed for 67,377 Hajj pilgrims, with payments to be credited directly to their bank accounts by October 31, 2025. The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and fairness in the Hajj process.
According to the ministry, refunds will be issued based on pilgrims’ actual expenditures. About 14 percent of pilgrims will receive between Rs12,000 and Rs12,286, while 16 percent will get refunds ranging from Rs13,000 to Rs25,000. Additionally, 20,302 pilgrims are set to receive Rs75,000 each, and 408 pilgrims will be refunded Rs110,000.
Officials clarified that individuals not eligible for refunds had already availed services corresponding to their full payments.
The ministry also confirmed that all pilgrims will receive a trolley bag, handbag, and scarves for women, along with a Saudi mobile SIM card providing internet access and 3.5 minutes of free calls.
For the upcoming pilgrimage, the 40-day Hajj package has been set at Rs1,150,000, while the shorter-duration package will cost Rs1,200,000. Bookings under the government scheme have been finalized, and those under the private quota are nearing completion.
Addressing health and safety concerns, Dr. Attaur Rehman, Secretary of Hajj, stated that strict measures have been implemented to address complaints from pilgrims. A new policy also bars individuals suffering from serious illnesses—including final-stage cancer, tuberculosis, and women in the last months of pregnancy—from performing Hajj this year.
