Government to reimburse Rs3.45bn to Haj pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: The government has started making refunds to the pilgrims, who performed Haj this year (2025) under the regular scheme.

The pilgrimage this year contributed Rs3.45 billion to the state kitty.

Speaking to the media here, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said 75% (over 66,370) of pilgrims (Hujjaj) out of a total of 84,960 would get refunds ranging from Rs12,000 to Rs110,000.

“The government has started making refunds and the process will be completed by October 31, while 25% (21,895) of pilgrims, who got comparatively best accommodation, will not be refunded,” the minister said.

According to details, 14% of pilgrims (12,286) will get Rs12,000 each, 16% (13,939) Rs25,000, 10% (8,496) Rs75,000, 12% (10,945) Rs90,000, while 408 pilgrims will be refunded Rs110,000 each.

Sardar Yousuf pointed out that for the first time, the pilgrims were provided with air-conditioned accommodation at Mina having gypsum walls and folding mattresses.

He said this year the quota under the government’s regular scheme had been enhanced by 30,000 and all bookings had been completed. The bookings under the private scheme are also almost complete.

For a short stay, the pilgrims would pay Rs1.2 million and Rs1.15 million (Rs1,150,000) for a 40-day stay.

The minister said the second installment of Rs650,000 would have to made through the nominated banks from November 03 to November 15. The intending pilgrims along with bags would also get a Saudi SIM having free 300 to 600 internet minutes.

The minister thanked the Saudi Minister for Haj and Umrah Dr. Taqfiq Al-Rabiah and Ambassador in Islamabad Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Maliki for their cooperation in making arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims during the Haj 2025.