Saudi Arabia has increased Pakistan’s Hajj quota, allowing an additional 10,000 pilgrims to perform Hajj this year. This decision followed a request from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Dar conveyed his appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud, for approving the additional quota through his social media account.

Dar mentioned that this special arrangement was made after his telephone conversation with Prince Faisal on April 9.

He also thanked the Saudi foreign minister, referring to him as a “dear brother,” and noted that this gesture would significantly strengthen bilateral relations and make it easier for Pakistani pilgrims.

Previously, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, stated that approximately 90,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj this year, participating through both government and private schemes.

The Hajj operation for 2025 is scheduled to begin on April 29, according to officials.

The first Hajj flight is set to depart from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage for many Pakistani pilgrims.

Officials indicated that the first flight, ER 1611, will leave for Madinah Munawwarah at 10:15 PM on April 29, carrying 285 pilgrims.

Initially, all flights will head to Madinah Airport, and from May 14, flights will also start departing for Jeddah Airport.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has approved the complete flight schedule, which will be available on the Pak Hajj mobile application. Under the government Hajj scheme, 89,000 pilgrims will travel via five designated airlines.

Religious Affairs Minister Yousuf also clarified that the temporary visa suspension for Umrah and other categories, recently implemented by Saudi Arabia for 14 countries, including Pakistan, is a standard procedure in preparation for Hajj.

The suspension is expected to be lifted by mid-June, and Umrah visa holders are advised to return to Pakistan by April 29.

As part of the necessary health and safety measures, pilgrims must receive vaccinations at their designated Haji camps at least ten days before their scheduled departure. The second phase of Hajj training for pilgrims is scheduled to commence on April 8.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced that it will operate 280 special pre-Hajj flights from April 29 to June 1, transporting over 56,000 pilgrims. PIA will use Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 aircraft to ensure a comfortable travel experience. The post-Hajj operation will run from June 12 to July 10.

This year, the cost of Hajj packages has been reduced. The 40-day package now costs Rs1,050,000, a reduction of Rs25,000, while the 25-day short package has been reduced by Rs50,000, bringing the total to Rs1,100,000.