ISLAMABAD: Government has announced a significant reduction in the cost of Hajj packages, providing a major relief to the pilgrims.

Addressing a news conference here, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhary Salik Hussain said that the cost of the 40-day long Hajj Package has been reduced by Rs 25,000 bringing it down to Rs 1050,000 and the 25-day short Hajj package’s cost has been cut by Rs 50,000 to Rs 1100,000. The previous cost was Rs 1075,000 for the long Hajj package and Rs 1150,000 for the short package.

He said this decision was made possible after successful negotiations by Pakistan’s government committee and Saudi authorities. Pilgrims are now required to pay the third instalment, which is Rs450,000 for the long package and Rs500,000 for the short package. The minister urged the pilgrims to pay the third instalment between February 6 and 14 at designated banks and they would be informed through mobile app “Pak Hajj” in this regard. He further said that the government is refunding over 4.75 billion rupees to Hajj pilgrims who performed Hajj last year under the seven different categories. Under the annual Hajj agreement 2025 between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year. The agreement includes a commitment to provide the best possible facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, who will be offered special accommodation in Mina at reduced rates.