KARACHI – Pakistani pilgrims choosing premium Hajj Packages will have to undergo thorough investigation under new guidelines.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has introduced new regulations aimed at enhancing transparency and security for individuals choosing high-cost Hajj packages under the private Hajj 2025 scheme. According to the new guidelines, pilgrims opting for packages priced above Rs3 million will undergo a security clearance process before being allowed to proceed with their pilgrimage.
As part of the process, the names of these individuals will be submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which will scrutinize their financial assets and tax records. In addition, security agencies will assess their criminal and other relevant records. Only those who receive clearance from both the FBR and security agencies will be permitted to participate in Hajj 2025.
Companies offering expensive Hajj packages will also be required to submit detailed information about their packages for approval by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Ministry has appointed Mohammad Hakeem Khattak as the focal person for coordinating this process.
This move is part of a broader effort to ensure a more transparent and secure Hajj experience for those opting for premium packages. The Ministry also announced that the first phase of mandatory training for pilgrims under the government Hajj 2025 scheme will begin tomorrow in Peshawar, with sessions being held at 147 locations nationwide. Attendance will be tracked through QR codes in the Pak Haj mobile app.
The first phase of training is set to conclude by February 27, 2025, ensuring that all pilgrims are well-prepared for their journey. Overseas Pakistanis will receive training at their respective Haji Camps before their departure.
These measures are expected to improve the integrity and safety of the Hajj process, ensuring that only eligible and cleared individuals are able to undertake the sacred journey.
