The government of Pakistan received a record number of Hajj applications from individuals wishing to perform Hajj 2025 in the first two days of the registration process, compared to the same period last year.

According to the official report, a total of 4,774 applications were received in just the first two days, while only 1,300 applications were submitted in the first two days last year.

The majority of applications, 4,734, were submitted under the regular government Hajj scheme, with 40 applications received under the sponsorship scheme.

Applicants under the government scheme are required to deposit Rs 200,000 with their application. If selected in the draw, an additional Rs 400,000 must be deposited by February 10, 2025.

It is pertinent to mention here that the applications for the government scheme can be submitted until December 3, 2024 and if the number of applications exceeds the quota, a draw will be held on December 6, 2024.

Sponsorship applications for the government quota are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with all sponsorship funds to be deposited fully in US dollars.

Earlier this month, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, announced the Hajj Policy 2025 following its approval by the Federal Cabinet.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the minister confirmed that Pakistan has been allocated a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims.

This allocation will be divided equally between the general public and private sectors, with each sector receiving a quota of 79,600 pilgrims.

Under the new policy, Hajj applications can be submitted with an initial deposit of Rs 200,000, followed by an additional payment of Rs 400,000 upon successful selection by ballot, while the remaining amount is due by February, ahead of the pilgrimage.

The official Hajj package has been set between Rs 1,065,000 and Rs 1,075,000, reflecting efforts to accommodate increased travel and accommodation costs.