Govt announces Hajj refunds for 2024’s pilgrims

Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain has announced refunds ranging from Rs20,000 to Rs140,000 for pilgrims who performed Hajj last year.

During a press conference on Tuesday, the minister said, “I want to share good news with the nation. We are refunding money to all the pilgrims who performed Hajj last year. Refunds will range from Rs20,000 to 140,000, and we will continue to provide the best facilities for Hajj this year. The cost of this year’s Hajj has not increased.”

He also emphasized that the Hajj package being offered by Pakistan is the most affordable in the world.

The additional secretary of Religious Affairs provided further details regarding the refunds, specifying that some pilgrims will receive up to Rs140,000, while others will receive amounts as low as Rs20,000.

Three percent of pilgrims will receive Rs140,000, 23 percent will receive Rs75,000, and 3,000 pilgrims will receive Rs50,000. He added that if savings are made in the this year’s Hajj process too, these will be refunded to the pilgrims.

Hussain also stated that the number of applications for Hajj this year is almost identical to the number from last year.

While the short Hajj package was priced at Rs1.075 million rupees last year, this year it will be Rs1.05 million, making it the most affordable Hajj package in the world when compared to global rates and the current dollar exchange rate.

The minister also mentioned that the government’s Hajj quota has been filled, and no additional applications will be accepted. However, facilities under the hardship quota remain available.

Hussain also praised the cooperation from Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj, Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, noting that no other country has received such extensive support for Hajj arrangements.