Banks across Pakistan began accepting applications for Hajj 2025 on Monday, allowing prospective pilgrims to register for the upcoming annual pilgrimage.

According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, applicants must submit an initial instalment of Rs200,000 along with their applications, which can be processed at 15 designated banks.

The government Hajj scheme includes a quota of 89,605 pilgrims, with 5,000 seats reserved for overseas Pakistanis under the sponsorship scheme. The package covers airfare, meals, accommodation, training, and vaccinations.

However, children under 12 years and individuals with severe or complex medical conditions will not be eligible for Hajj, as per ministry guidelines.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced last week that 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj next year. Of these, 1,000 seats are reserved for hardship cases, and 300 seats are allocated for laborers and low-income workers registered with the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) or Workers Welfare Fund.

The estimated cost for the pilgrimage will range between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000. Applicants must deposit an additional Rs400,000 if selected through balloting, with the remaining balance payable by February 10, 2025.

Refund policies include a deduction of Rs50,000 from the initial instalment in case of cancellation. If the third instalment is not paid, Rs200,000 will be deducted, and no refunds will be issued after February 10, 2025.

Additionally, compensation for the heirs of deceased pilgrims has been increased from Rs1 million to Rs2 million under the new policy.