ISLAMABAD: The federal government has begun refunding Rs3.45 billion to pilgrims who performed Haj under the regular scheme this year, with most beneficiaries set to receive between Rs12,000 and Rs110,000 each, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf told reporters that 75 percent of pilgrims — over 66,370 out of a total of 84,960 — will receive partial refunds based on the category of their accommodation and services. The process, he said, will be completed by October 31.
“Only 25 percent of pilgrims, who received the best accommodation facilities, will not be eligible for refunds,” the minister clarified.
Refund Categories
The breakdown of refunds is as follows:
14% of pilgrims (12,286 people) will receive Rs12,000 each.
16% (13,939 pilgrims) will get Rs25,000 each.
10% (8,496 pilgrims) will receive Rs75,000 each.
12% (10,945 pilgrims) will get Rs90,000 each.
408 pilgrims will receive the highest refund of Rs110,000 each.
Sardar Yousuf said that this year, for the first time, pilgrims were provided with air-conditioned accommodation in Mina featuring gypsum walls and folding mattresses — a major upgrade from previous years.
Enhanced Quota and Payment Schedule
The minister noted that the quota under the government’s regular Haj scheme was increased by 30,000, and all bookings have been completed. Bookings under the private scheme are also nearing completion.
For the 2025 Haj:
Pilgrims opting for a short stay are required to pay Rs1.2 million, while a 40-day package costs Rs1.15 million.
The second installment of Rs650,000 must be deposited through designated banks between November 3 and 15.
Each intending pilgrim will also receive a Saudi SIM card with 300 to 600 free internet minutes.
Acknowledgement of Saudi Cooperation
Minister Yousuf thanked Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister for Haj and Umrah, and Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Maliki, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, for their cooperation in making this year’s Haj arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims smooth and successful.
The refund initiative aims to ensure transparency and return excess funds collected during the pilgrimage, reflecting the government’s commitment to facilitate and support pilgrims in future Haj operations.
