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Religious affairs

Private Hajj booking deadline extended by five day

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ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has extended the deadline for private Hajj bookings by five days, allowing intending pilgrims to complete their reservations through approved Hajj organizers until October 22, 2025. According to a spokesperson for the ministry, all approved Hajj companies have been instructed to finalize bookings strictly in line with the Hajj … Read more

Pakistan starts receiving applications for private Hajj scheme today

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that applications under the private Hajj scheme are now open, bringing relief for intending pilgrims. According to the ministry’s statement, private Hajj operators are required to give priority to applicants who were unable to perform Hajj last year and must submit an affidavit confirming the completion of … Read more

Hajj dues collection for 2026 to start from today

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Hajj dues

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the collection of Hajj dues will commence on Monday. Interested applicants can submit their Hajj applications through designated banks or via the official online portal, the ministry stated. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the first installment of Hajj dues will be collected from … Read more

Pakistan sets up 24/7 helpline for Hajj flight information

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Pakistan launches helpline for Hajj pilgrims amid air travel disruption

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has established a dedicated helpline to assist Hajj pilgrims with updated information regarding their flight schedules on the directive of Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, pilgrims can call the helpline at 051-9216980 to obtain real-time updates and support related to their Hajj … Read more

Federal govt announces final Hajj expanses for pilgrims

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Saudi Arabia to open Itikaf registration for two holy mosques on March 5

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday announces final expanses of the Long duration and short duration Hajj package for pilgrims.

According to the Spokesman of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the final expanses of the Long Hajj package has been fixed at 1.075 million and the short Hajj package will be Rs 1.1 million.

Spokesman Religious Affairs said that the third installment of Hajj liabilities will be received from 1st to 10th February, with limited number of seats left in the government Hajj scheme.

According to the spokesperson, the  of new applications will be received  based on the first come, but the short package pilgrimage booking has been completed and only the booking of the Long Hajj package will be booking on vacant seats.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said that the booking of private pilgrims will continue till January 31.

This year, the government has introduced several improvements for pilgrims, including air-conditioned accommodations in Mina, replacing the traditional coolers.

The tents in Mina will also feature gypsum boards, offering better comfort, while sofa beds will replace traditional mattresses. Additionally, shelf facilities will be added to the Hajj package.

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Federal cabinet approves Hajj Policy 2025

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Federal cabinet

ISLAMABAD:  The Federal Cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy 2025 and 179,210 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj next year under new policy.

A federal cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in which the cabinet approved the Hajj Policy 2025.

Sources say that in the details of the Hajj policy presented to the federal cabinet, it was stated that 179,210 pilgrims will be able to enjoy Hajj next year.

Under the Hajj policy, the Hajj quota will be divided between the government scheme and the private Hajj scheme in the ratio of 50 per cent  while the official Hajj package will be between Rs 1065,000 to Rs 1075,000.

According to the sources, after the approval of the cabinet, the schedule for receiving Hajj applications will be released and for the selection of the banks, certificates will be requested from the interested banks by October 25.

According to sources, the federal cabinet will send the approved draft to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, after which the Ministry of Religious Affairs will formally announce the Hajj Policy 2025.

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All possible facilities to be provided to Hujjaj: Aneed Ahmed

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Hujjaj

ISLAMABAD Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed said that all possible facilities will be provided to Pakistani pilgrims during this year’s hajj where special training programs were also being conducted at the district level through camps managed by the religious affairs ministry.

He said that under the supervision of the Pakistan Hajj mission special catering companies were being arranged to feed pilgrims under a government scheme and will ensure quality and safety standards at every step.

Minister said that this year Pakistan Hajj mission is offering simplified transportation services to Pakistani pilgrims with standard buses ensuring round-the-clock, adding that, the transport department will fully dedicate themselves to the sacred duty.

A comprehensive transportation guidelines had also been issued at each building, he added.

The caretaker government had introduced several new services for the pilgrims to help them perform the rituals with comfort and ease, he mentioned.

Monitoring Cell has been put in place to closely monitor and address any potential issues of the private Pilgrims, he said, adding, furthermore, various other specialized units, such as a Wheelchair Desk have been established to cater to the specific needs of different groups of pilgrims.

Replying to a question, he said in a bid to improve the Hajj pilgrimage experience for travelers in 2024, the federal government has also unveiled a comprehensive update to the Hajj package, adding that, first time in history government has introduced a shorter 20 to 25-day Hajj program in which we will provide pilgrims with a more concise and efficient experience.

This change is expected to make the pilgrimage more accessible to a broader range of people, he added.

Every pilgrim will also receive a specially designed bag featuring the Pakistani flag, a QR code for easy identification, and relevant information, he mentioned.

In a move toward greater administrative efficiency, the government had launched a dedicated mobile app for online registration of Hajj applications.

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Govt extends Hajj applications deadline for 10 days

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Govt extends
  • The Hajj Application deadline extended till Dec 22.
  • The Hajj applications can be submitted in 15 banks.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Ministry for Religious Affairs has extended the date of submission of applications under government Hajj Scheme for 10 days.

According to the announcement of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, December 12 was the last date for submission of applications in the official Hajj scheme, but now the receipt of applications has been extended by 10 days.

The statement said that on the request of pilgrims, the date of submission of applications in the official Hajj scheme was announced to be extended till December 22.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said that applications are being received in the sponsorship scheme on a first-come-first-served basis, those paying in dollars from abroad will be selected without a draw.

Apart from this, on the request of Hajj pilgrims, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has lifted the 5-year ban on Hajj-i-Badl, after which those who have performed Hajj during the last five years have been declared eligible to apply for Hajj this year.

The declaration said that single women would be able to perform Hajj in a group of trusted women on providing an affidavit.

It should be noted that Hajj applications can be submitted in 15 banks.

Despite slashing Hajj expenses and introducing short-term Hajj facilities, the number of applications has dropped this year too.

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PM Kakar directs for provision of best facilities to Hujjaj

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PM Kakar

Chairing a meeting with regard to Ministry of Religious Affairs. He observed that for performance of important religious ritual of Hajj. Prime Minister Kakar was apprised of the performance of ministry. ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar directed that best and inexpensive facilities should be ensured for the pilgrims without compromising on Hajj arrangements. Chairing … Read more

Caretaker Minister highlights need to strengthen Muslim unity  

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Muslim
  • He said this in meeting with Bahraini Parliament Member.
  • Sheikh Almuawda met with Aneeq Ahmed along with scholars.
  • He said it was crucial to promote Islamic values to world.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed said the Muslim countries would have to portray a soft image of Ummah with concerted efforts on the globe.

He said this in a meeting with Bahraini Parliament Member and former Speaker Sheikh Adel bin Abdulrahman Almuawda, who called on him here in his office.

Sheikh Almuawda met with Minister Aneeq along with Pakistani scholars including Maulana Abu Turab, Maulana Atiqur Rehman Shah Kashmiri, Prof Sajjad Qamar, and Maulana Hafiz Maqsood Ahmad.

During their discussions, both leaders emphasized the promotion of unity within the Muslim Ummah, addressing common issues, and combatting Islamophobia.

Minister Aneeq reaffirmed that Pakistan’s foundation was rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, and stressed the need for Muslim nations to work collectively to manifest the teachings of Islam. He highlighted that as Muslims, it was crucial to align their actions with Quranic guidance and promote Islamic values to the world.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of nurturing the younger generation lamenting that many young individuals were not seeking solutions to contemporary issues within the Quran’s teachings.

Sheikh Almuawda expressed his country’s deep affection for Pakistan as the only state established in the name of Islam. He also drew attention to historical instances of Islamophobia and the need to change the world’s perception of Islam by removing the veil of ignorance.

Both leaders concurred that gradually incorporating religious education in educational institutions and spreading the message of Islam in a gentle and informative manner was essential. He also extended an invitation to Minister Aneeq to visit Bahrain to further strengthen bilateral relations.

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Federal Govt proposes short-duration Hajj packages 

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Hajj
  • He said 18 to 20-day Hajj package will be given in 2024.
  • Minister said shorter Hajj will be decided by pilgrims themselves.
  • He said that this proposal will be considered by interim government.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed said that the duration of official Hajj is proposed to be reduced from 45 days next year.

In a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed said that an 18 to 20-day Hajj package will be given in 2024, 40 days or shorter Hajj will be decided by pilgrims themselves.

The chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs said that the short Hajj should be conducted for 30 days, on which the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs said that this proposal will be considered.

Chairman Hajj Operators Association said that they have signed a five-year residency agreement in Saudi Arabia, the country that gets the Hajj quota has the will to manage it.

Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed said the Saudi government has decided that only 46 companies will run Hajj operations from Pakistan.

Senator Maulana Abdul Kareem said that changing 905 companies into 46 companies would cause problems. The Saudi government implemented such a ban on America and European countries a few years ago. The Saudi government has rejected the protests of America and European countries.

He further said “We cannot do anything, but we can request a one-year extension. It can be said in a letter to the Saudi government that since the decision was taken suddenly, there will be difficulties in its implementation”.

Senator Maulana Faiz Muhammad said that the implementation of the new plan should be assured from next year and the government has to solve the problem by talking with Saudi Arabia.

The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs said that he asked Saudi Arabia to review the decision to convert 900 Hajj companies into 46 companies, but they did not agree.  The government will write a letter to the Saudi government at the request of the Standing Committee.

He said that the Saudi government is planning to increase the number of Hajj pilgrims to 10 million. At present, the Road to Mecca project is running only from Islamabad. The Saudi government has decided to include Karachi in the Road to Mecca in the next Hajj.

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Transparency stressed to distribute Zakat

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Ramadan 2024: Zakat Nisab Fixed at Rs135,179

KARACHI: Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr Fayyaz Ali Butt has said that distributing Zakat among deserving and needy people is the prime responsibility of officials concerned and the process should be kept transparent. “The provision of Zakat to the deserving is our great duty. We all have to knuckle … Read more

Hajj policy for private organizers to announce soon: Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri

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Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri has said that Hajj policy for the private organizers would be announced soon. Hajj is a religious obligation and one of its worldly benefits is that it generates at least $ 100 billion worth of business activity annually. He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce … Read more

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