ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering an installment plan aimed at easing the financial burden on low and middle-income citizens planning to travel Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj this year.
The plan, submitted for cabinet approval, would allow pilgrims to pay their Hajj expenses in three installments instead of a lump sum.
Under the proposed plan, the total cost for Hajj is estimated at around Rs1.1 million. At the start, prospective pilgrims would need to pay Rs200,000 to apply for Hajj. After being selected in a lottery, they would then pay an additional Rs400,000, with the remaining balance due before leaving for Hajj.
Also Read: Govt reveals expected cost of Hajj for next year
Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs have said that this installment option aims to make Hajj more accessible for those who find it difficult to pay the full amount upfront.
The latest Hajj policy has set a quota of 179,000 pilgrims from Pakistan, evenly split between government and private tour operators.
Moreover, the new guidelines prohibit children under 12 from participating in the pilgrimage and require health checks, including medical certificates for persons with serious health conditions.
