LAHORE: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf has announced that about 90,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj this year under the government Hajj scheme.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday about Hajj 2025 preparations, he said that Hajj flights will begin from the 29th of this month.
He said that officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be present at airports nationwide to assist pilgrims during their departure.
The minister emphasized that special focus is being given to training pilgrims to avoid difficulties in Saudi Arabia.
He said the Saudi Minister of Hajj assured him that excellent arrangements have been made for this year’s Hajj.
In June, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia officially signed the annual Hajj agreement 2025.
Under the agreement, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year. The agreement includes a commitment to provide the best possible facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, who will be offered special accommodation in Mina at reduced rates.
In addition, to make the Hajj journey more accessible, easier, and comfortable, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has introduced a short Hajj program of 20 to 25 days like the previous year. Pilgrims will have the option to choose their accommodation in Madina for a duration of four to eight days. Each pilgrim will receive a specially designed bag containing the Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and relevant information.
A special mobile app will provide all information to the pilgrims on their mobile phones, enabling them to stay updated about their Hajj group’s information, training schedule, flight details, accommodations in Saudi Arabia, and live maps and locations of sites during Hajj.