Govt Proposes Hajj Installment Plans to Support Low-Income Pilgrims

The Pakistani government has proposed a new payment plan to help low- and middle-income citizens manage the costs of the Hajj pilgrimage, allowing them to pay in three installments instead of a single lump sum.

This proposal is now under review by the federal cabinet.

The total estimated cost of Hajj stands at around Rs1.1 million, with an initial payment of Rs200,000 required for applicants. If selected in the lottery, pilgrims would then pay Rs400,000, with the final balance due before departure.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs designed this plan to make Hajj more accessible for those unable to afford the full cost upfront. The latest policy also includes a quota of 179,000 pilgrims from Pakistan, divided between government and private operators, and allocates special provisions for low-income workers and hardship cases.

Additional guidelines in the new policy prohibit children under 12 from joining the pilgrimage and require medical certification for individuals with serious health conditions, ensuring safe and manageable conditions for all participants.