Govt Announces Relief for Registered Pilgrims Unable to Perform Hajj

ISLAMABAD: The government has introduced a new policy to provide relief to registered pilgrims who, due to unavoidable circumstances, cannot perform Hajj.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, if a registered pilgrim is severely ill or deceased, a close relative may perform Hajj in their place. Alternatively, the pilgrim or their family may opt for a refund.

The ministry emphasized that valid reasons must be presented for refunds or substitutions, with mandatory documentary evidence such as medical certificates or death certificates. Additionally, the reason must be formally recorded on stamped paper, accompanied by a copy of the ID card and the bank deposit receipt.

Last month, reports indicated that over 400,000 people had registered interest in performing Hajj. Out of these, 71,000 formally applied by submitting the first installment of Rs500,000 for the long-duration package (38 to 42 days) and Rs550,000 for the short-duration package (20 to 25 days).

So far, more than 21,000 pilgrims have successfully registered. Sources further confirmed that private Hajj operators are bound to prioritize those who were unable to perform Hajj last year despite completing the process.