The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued new guidelines for Hajj 2025, emphasizing that Pakistani women need permission from their husbands or parents to undertake the pilgrimage.
According to the 2025 Hajj Policy, women can travel for Hajj without a male guardian (mehram) if they have consent from their parents or, if married, their husband. Additionally, they should be part of a trustworthy group of female pilgrims to ensure their safety and dignity.
This policy aligns with the Council of Islamic Ideology’s decision, which permits women to perform Hajj alone under specific conditions. It’s noteworthy that in 2021, Saudi Arabia allowed women to perform Hajj and Umrah without a male guardian, aiming to enhance women’s rights.
The Ministry also stated that children under 12 are not permitted to accompany pilgrims, and all participants must receive vaccinations approved by Saudi authorities.
This year, Saudi Arabia has allocated a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan. Approximately half will perform Hajj under the government scheme, with the remainder using private tour operators.
Prospective pilgrims are advised to review the official guidelines and ensure all requirements are met for a smooth Hajj experience.