ISLAMABAD: To ease the Hajj process for Pakistani pilgrims, the Director-General of Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi has rolled out a new initiative to expedite passport services.
He said that special counters will be established at the regional passport offices, including headquarters with the assurance that the pilgrims will get their passport in less than twenty-four hours.
This fast-tracked service will be availed in passport offices across the world.
To further reduce the cost associated with Hajj for the pilgrims, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has successfully convinced the airline operating flights to Saudi Arabia in this regard to reduce the cost of airfares for the season of 2025.
$50 Airfare Cut
Hoping to achieve this aim, the airfare for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims has been reduced by $50. In 2024, the cost of per ticket was $850.
Now, the price of the air ticket for a pilgrim has been altered to $800.
The Ministry has come to an agreement with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), ensuring this price for 35,000 pilgrims.
Furthermore, an equal number of pilgrims will also be ferried by Saudi airlines to the holy places. This plan is viewed as one of the measures to fight the ever-increasing costs of travel and lodgings, which have rendered Hajj impossible for many.
Pakistan opens applications for Hajj 2025
The application process to the Government Hajj Scheme for 2025 has been initiated officially, and applications have to be submitted by December 3. Pilgrims may register for the Government Hajj Scheme.
