Hajj 2025: application deadline may extend due to low submissions

ISLAMABAD: The government’s official Hajj scheme has seen a decline in applications this year, with fewer than half of the expected number of pilgrims applying under the state-run quota for Hajj 2025.

According to sources, the Ministry of Religious Affairs received only around 47,000 applications, representing just 53% of the required number, by December 2 – a day before the deadline for filing applications.

For the Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia allotted Pakistan a total of 179,210 slots, divided equally between the government and private schemes. Under the government scheme, 89,605 pilgrims are eligible to travel for Hajj. However, despite the significant demand for Hajj, the number of applications has failed to meet expectations.

The government opened the application process on November 18, with the original deadline set for December 3.  Last week, the State Bank of Pakistan directed banks to remain open on weekends to accept Hajj applications.

With less than a day remaining for submission, sources believe the low number of applications can push the ministry to extend the deadline, similar to last year.

For Hajj 2024, Pakistan saw a similar trend, with only 69,438 applications received, and over 21,000 of the available spots were returned to the Saudi government after the draw. In 2023, a total of 79,922 applications were submitted, but nearly 10,000 spots remained unfilled.

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Its pertinent to mention here that the price for a Hajj package under the government scheme was Rs1.075 million last year, but it has increased to Rs1.175 million for 2025, a jump of nearly 12%.

Similarly, the ministry received $3,769 from each pilgrim last year, however, the amount has increased to $4,424 this year.

Ministry sources believe that the rising cost of Hajj, which has become increasingly unaffordable due to the country’s ongoing inflation crisis, is the primary reason for the lower turnout this year.