The federal cabinet on Thusrday approved the Hajj Policy 2025 through a circulation summary, outlining key details for next year's pilgrimage.
According to official sources, the cost of the government-sponsored Hajj package is expected to be between Rs1.75 million and Rs11.75 million.
The new policy sets a quota of 179,000 pilgrims from Pakistan, with the allocation split equally between the government and private tour operators—each receiving 89,605 slots.
The policy also reserves special quotas for particular groups, including 1,000 slots under the hardship category and 300 reserved for low-income workers registered under the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).
Next year, prospective pilgrims can choose between two duration options: a long Hajj trip spanning 38 to 42 days, or a shorter version ranging from 20 to 25 days.
Notably, the new guidelines prohibit children under the age of 12 from participating in the pilgrimage.
In addition, the "Road to Makkah" initiative, designed to streamline the immigration process, will be available at three major airports—Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Women intending to perform Hajj without a male guardian (Mahram) will be allowed to travel under conditions set by the Islamic Ideological Council.
