ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the Hajj Policy 2025, which includes several reforms, such as barring children below the age of 12 from traveling for the Hajj pilgrimage.
The approval was given during a federal cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, held at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
The cabinet was informed that Pakistan’s Hajj quota for 2025 will be 179,210, divided equally between the government and the private sector.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), computerized balloting will be conducted for the government quota, with 1,000 seats reserved for hardship cases and 300 seats allocated for low-income workers registered with the Workers’ Welfare Fund or Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).
The cabinet was informed that the “Road to Makkah” facility will be available at Islamabad and Karachi international airports.
Hajj group organizers, under the new policy, will be required to sign service provider agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and their services will be closely monitored.
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A position of Nazim (supervisor) will be created to oversee service delivery. “One Nazim will be appointed for every 100 pilgrims, selected from the welfare staff,” read the statement.
The federal cabinet also approved an increase in compensation for Hajj pilgrims who suffered injury or died during the pilgrimage.
“The families of deceased pilgrims will now receive compensation of up to Rs2 million, while injured pilgrims will receive Rs1 million as compensation,” the statement said.
Moreover, a special Hajj management application will be developed to assist pilgrims throughout the process, and special arrangements will be made for their training.
The federal cabinet directed that priority be given in the Hajj balloting to those performing Hajj for the first time.
The cabinet also instructed that all necessary steps be taken to ensure the best possible facilities for pilgrims.
