The federal cabinet, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, approved the Hajj Policy 2025, setting a limit of 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims for the next year’s Hajj.

In a recent meeting at the PM’s House, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Cabinet reviewed key policy elements proposed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony for the upcoming Hajj 2025.

The policy enforces a new age restriction, barring children under 12 from participating in Hajj next year.

With 1,000 seats reserved for hardship cases and 300 seats designated for low-income workers registered under the Workers Welfare Fund and Employees Old Age Benefit Institute.

The meeting members were told that the ‘Road to Makkah’ initiative will operate at Islamabad and Karachi International Airports, providing a streamlined departure process for Pakistani pilgrims.

New oversight measures include appointing one ‘Nazim’ for every 100 pilgrims from the welfare staff to manage facilities.

Additionally, Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) will sign Service Provider Agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ensure accountability.

Compensation for casualties during Hajj has been doubled, with families of deceased pilgrims receiving Rs 2 million and injured individuals Rs 1 million.

A special Hajj management app has also been introduced, alongside dedicated training for pilgrims to enhance their experience.

In related approvals, the Cabinet endorsed Saeed Iqbal, Moazzam Ahmed, Madiha Khalid, Usman Haider, and Muhammad Sajjad Farooqui as private members of the Board of Public Private Partnership Authority.