ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan is working on a new scheme allowing Hajj pilgrims to pay their expenses in three installments.
The initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden on low and middle-income citizens planning to go for Hajj. According to media reports the proposal has been submitted to the federal cabinet for final approval.
Under this proposed scheme pilgrims would initially need to pay Rs200,000 to apply for Hajj while the total cost for Hajj is estimated at approximately Rs1.1 million.
After being selected through a lottery, they would then pay an additional Rs400,000, with the remaining balance prior to their departure.
Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs have said that this mechanism is specifically designed to make Hajj more accessible for those who struggle to pay the full amount of the pilgrimage.
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Under the current Hajj policy the quota of 179,000 pilgrims from Pakistan, is divided equally between government and private tour operators.
In addition to the payment structure, the new guidelines bar children under the age of 12 from attending the pilgrimage and outline health requirements, including the submission of medical certificates for individuals with serious health problems.
This initiative shows the government’s commitment to facilitating the Hajj experience for a broader segment of the population.
