ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Thursday said that Rs3.45 billion will be returned to 66,377 pilgrims who performed Hajj last year.
While holding a news conference in Islamabad, he said that this amount has been saved in various ways, including accommodation, food, and transport expenses.
He added that the refund will start from today and will be completed by October 31, directly transferring the amounts into pilgrims’ bank accounts.
The minister further added that 12,286 pilgrims to receive Rs12,000 each, 13,939 pilgrims to receive Rs25,000 each, 8,496 to receive Rs48,000 each, 20,302 to receive Rs75,000 each, 10,945 to receive Rs90,000 each, and 400 to receive Rs110,000 each.
Sardar Yousad further said that pilgrims who received full facilities in Saudi Arabia are not eligible for refunds, while those who couldn’t fully avail housing, transport, or other services are being reimbursed
“For Hajj 2026, the 40-day package has been set at Rs. 1.15 million, while the 25-day short Hajj package will cost Rs. 1.2 million,” he added.
He stressed that the government strives to minimize Hajj expenses and improve arrangements each year.
Moreover, Sardar Yousaf added that last year, a “Hajj Nazim Scheme” was introduced to assist pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, with one guide assigned to each group.
On this occasion, Secretary Religious Affairs Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman said that the Saudi government has banned the visit of terminally ill patients, many of our pilgrims go whom want to die in Mecca and Medina.
