The federal government has begun disbursing Hajj refunds to pilgrims from the 2025 season, announcing payments totaling approximately PKR 3.5 billion to eligible travellers. The finance measures are part of a wider effort to improve services and keep Hajj costs reasonable following close coordination between Pakistani and Saudi authorities.
Officials said improvements introduced during Hajj 2025 — including air-conditioned and gypsum-walled tents in Mina, folding mattresses and expanded on-ground guidance — will remain in place for the upcoming season. The ministry credited strong cooperation from Saudi counterparts, including the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Rabiah, Deputy Minister Hassan Manakhreh, and the Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Al-Malki, for helping finalize arrangements that reduce expenses while enhancing comfort for pilgrims.
Under a strengthened Hajj Nazim scheme, each group of about 150 pilgrims is assigned a dedicated nazim to provide step-by-step assistance in Saudi Arabia; authorities say this support will be further improved for 2026. The official government quota for the state Hajj scheme was increased by over 30,000 this year, and applications are now full, a development officials describe as a vote of confidence in the government’s arrangements.
All pilgrims will receive essential travel items at departure, including a large trolley bag, a hand-carry bag and a scarf for women. To ensure reliable communications abroad, each pilgrim will also be given a Saudi mobile SIM with internet access and between 300 and 600 minutes of call time, enabling easier contact with families and fellow pilgrims.
Training materials and mandatory comprehensive Hajj training across the country have been upgraded to improve pilgrims’ understanding of rites and administrative procedures. The ministry emphasized that better-prepared pilgrims help streamline operations in Saudi Arabia and reduce unnecessary costs.
Package costs have been set at PKR 1,150,000 for the 40-day long Hajj package and PKR 1,200,000 for the 25-day short package. Pilgrims are required to pay the second installment of PKR 650,000 into designated banks between 3 November and 15 November; confirmations and reminders will be sent through the Pak Hajj mobile app.
The refund rollout for 2025 pilgrims follows a detailed reconciliation of actual expenses, with payment categories already determined. Approximately 25% of pilgrims (21,895) will not receive a refund, while payment bands for others have been fixed: 12,286 pilgrims will receive PKR 12,000 each, 13,939 will receive PKR 25,000 each, 8,496 will receive PKR 48,000 each, 20,302 will receive PKR 75,000 each, 10,945 will receive PKR 90,000 each, and 408 pilgrims will receive PKR 110,000 each.
Authorities confirmed refunds will be issued through bank branches or directly to bank accounts and that the payout process will be completed by 31 October. The ministry urged beneficiaries to monitor the Pak Hajj app for payment notifications and to follow guidance on receiving funds through their nominated banks.
Officials reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering improved Hajj services and transparent financial settlements. The ongoing collaboration with Saudi partners and the operational improvements introduced after Hajj 2025 are presented as key steps to ensure safer, more comfortable and cost-effective pilgrimages for Pakistani pilgrims in the coming seasons.
