Hajj 2024: Announces cheaper pilgrimage under government scheme

Religious affairs minister Aneeq Ahmed unveiled Pakistan’s Hajj Policy 2024 on Thursday, announcing that the cost of the Hajj package under the government’s scheme has been reduced by Rs100,000 ($347.92) this year. 

Hajj is an annual, Islamic pilgrimage that each Muslim adult is required to perform at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. The sacred pilgrimage is usually one of the world’s largest religious gatherings where Muslims offer prayers and perform certain rituals in the holy city of Makkah. 

This year, Saudi Arabia restored Pakistan’s pre-coronavirus Hajj ratio of 179,210 pilgrims and also lifted the upper age limit of 65 years to perform the pilgrimage. More than 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims performed Hajj under the government scheme in 2023 while the rest used private tour operators.

Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj this year, Ahmed told reporters during a press conference. 

“The previous Hajj, which was held in a very impressive manner, cost Rs11,75,000 [$4,088],” Ahmed said. “It makes me very happy to announce that our package this year will cost Rs10,75,000. [$3,740].”

The minister said Pakistan was locked in negotiations with airlines to reduce their airfares for Hajj flights. “The amount that we save on account of air tickets will be deposited into the Hajj pilgrims’ accounts,” he said. 

Ahmed said Hajj 2024 for Pakistani pilgrims would be “digitized” as pilgrims would be provided an app on their phones that would help them find locations in Makkah easily. 

“We are also in talks with a mobile company. [Pilgrims] would be provided 7 GB data for the app,” he said, adding that it would function even without the Internet. 

He said that usually pilgrims performing Hajj under the government scheme spend eight days in Madinah. However, he said if pilgrims choose to spend only four days in the city this year, they can save Rs35,000 ($121.77].

Ahmed announced that Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi has also been included in the Makkah Route initiative for Hajj 2024, adding that Pakistan had requested the Saudi government to include Lahore in the initiative as well. 

“We have also requested that Quetta and Peshawar should be included [in the Makkah Route Initiative],” he said. “But at least include Lahore in it.” 

The Makkah Route Initiative provides pilgrims with the convenience of completing their entry procedures to Saudi Arabia in their home countries’ airports. 

Ahmed said the government would start receiving Hajj applications from Nov. 27, adding that the process would continue till Dec. 12.

 Qurbani in Saudi Arabia

The Hajj authority in Pakistan had entered into a partnership with the Saudi bank to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims who wish to participate in the sacrificial ritual during their pilgrimage. Pilgrims will be required to pay SAR 720 (PKR 54,448) in order to obtain a sacrificial coupon. Once they have obtained the coupon, they will receive information about the schedule for the sacrificial ritual.

However, the Pakistani government has recently advised Hajj pilgrims from Pakistan to acquire authorized sacrificial coupons exclusively from designated sources such as the Islamic Development Bank and Saudi Post. This measure has been implemented to ensure that pilgrims possess valid coupons and adhere to the Saudi regulations pertaining to the sacrificial ritual.

To obtain these coupons, they can visit mobile vans located near their accommodations.

Hajj packages 2024 price from Pakistan

Government Hajj scheme

The interim government has introduced a condensed 20-day package, priced at approximately PKR 80,000 more than the regular Haj offering. Comparatively, last year’s Haj expenses surpassed PKR 1.17 million, but this year they’re estimated to be around PKR 1.07 million, marking a PKR 100,000 decrease while maintaining service and quality standards.

Included in the package are essential items like a spacious travel bag with QR coding (capacity: 30 kg), a hand-carry bag (capacity: 7 kg), Pakistani flag scarves for easy identification of female pilgrims, Ahram belts for male pilgrims, and designated shoe bags, all provided at no extra cost, according to the minister.

The caretaker religious minister also mentioned the provision of a mobile SIM card with 7 GB data for mandatory use during the Saudi Arabia stay. Additionally, a dedicated mobile application, created in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology, will offer training, tracking, and guidance online and offline.

Pilgrims paying in USD for Sponsorship Scheme

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Pakistan has introduced a Sponsorship Scheme for the approximately 22,400 pilgrims who will be depositing their payments in US dollars. These pilgrims will be allocated a 50% special quota in the government Hajj scheme and will be exempted from balloting.

For the Hajj Sponsorship Scheme 2023, the ministry will charge USD 3,800 to pilgrims from northern Pakistan and USD 3,765  to pilgrims from southern Pakistan.

Payments in USD will be accepted through foreign remittances as well.

Pakistan Hajj cost calculator

In Islamabad, the Pakistani government has launched a tool that calculates the precise expenses for next year’s Hajj pilgrimage. The introduction of various categories by the government led to confusion regarding the specific payment needed for the pilgrimage to the holy kingdom.

To address this confusion, the government has unveiled an online platform. This platform allows individuals to input details about their required Hajj package, enabling them to determine the exact cost for an individual’s Hajj journey.

Pilgrims now can calculate the cost of their desired Hajj package with the Hajj cost calculator by The Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan.