Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a federal cabinet meeting today at the Prime Minister’s House, during which a significant increase in compensation for Hajj-related casualties and injuries was approved.
The cabinet decided that the families of pilgrims who pass away during Hajj 2025 will now receive compensation of Rs. 2 million, up from the previous amount of Rs. 1 million. Additionally, injured pilgrims will be eligible for Rs. 1 million in compensation.
The cabinet also approved the Hajj 2025 policy. Under the new policy, Pakistan’s Hajj quota for 2025 is set at 210,179, to be divided equally between government and private sector allocations.
Children under 12 years of age will not be permitted to travel for Hajj this year.
For the government quota, computerized balloting will be conducted, with 1,000 seats allocated for hardship cases.
An additional 300 seats will be reserved for low-income workers registered with the Workers Welfare Fund or the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution.
In terms of logistics, the “Road to Makkah” initiative will be available at Islamabad and Karachi International Airports, streamlining the immigration process for Pakistani pilgrims.
Private Hajj group organizers will be required to sign service agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with enhanced oversight to ensure quality service delivery.
To further improve services, the cabinet introduced the new role of “Nazim,” responsible for overseeing pilgrim welfare. One Nazim will be assigned to every 100 pilgrims, with personnel selected from among the welfare staff.
The cabinet was also informed about a special Hajj management application to facilitate pilgrims, along with dedicated training sessions for the 2025 Hajj season.
Additionally, priority in the Hajj balloting will be given to individuals performing Hajj for the first time, to ensure that maximum people can fulfill this religious duty.
