Applications for the government’s Hajj scheme have dropped this year, with less than half the expected number of pilgrims applying for Hajj 2025. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, only about 47,000 applications, or 53% of the target, were received by the December 3 deadline.
For Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia allocated Pakistan 179,210 slots, split evenly between government and private schemes. Out of these, 89,605 pilgrims can travel under the government scheme. Despite high demand, the number of applications has fallen short.
The application process began on November 18, with a deadline of December 3. Last week, the State Bank of Pakistan instructed banks to stay open on weekends to accept Hajj applications. With only a day left for submissions, sources think the low number may lead to an extended deadline, similar to last year.
Last year, Pakistan faced a similar situation with only 69,438 applications received for Hajj 2024, resulting in over 21,000 spots being returned to Saudi Arabia after the draw. In 2023, 79,922 applications were submitted, but nearly 10,000 slots were left unfilled. The cost for a Hajj package under the government scheme rose from Rs1.075 million last year to Rs1.175 million for 2025, a 12% increase. Additionally, the ministry received $3,769 from each pilgrim last year, which has risen to $4,424 this year.
Ministry sources suggest that rising costs and the ongoing inflation crisis are the main reasons for the decline in applications this year.
