The Pakistani government has introduced a new initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on low and middle-income citizens planning to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage.

A proposal allowing pilgrims to pay their Hajj expenses in three installments, rather than in one lump sum, has been submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.

Under this proposed payment plan, the total cost for Hajj is estimated at approximately Rs1.1 million. Prospective pilgrims would initially need to pay Rs200,000 to apply for Hajj.

After being selected in a lottery, they would then pay an additional Rs400,000, with the remaining balance due prior to their departure.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs have stated that this installment option is specifically designed to make Hajj more accessible for those who struggle to pay the full amount upfront.

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The latest Hajj policy also sets a quota of 179,000 pilgrims from Pakistan, divided equally between government and private tour operators, with special allocations for hardship cases and low-income workers.

In addition to the payment structure, the new guidelines prohibit children under the age of 12 from participating in the pilgrimage and outline health requirements, including the submission of medical certificates for individuals with serious health issues.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating the Hajj experience for a broader segment of the population, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder participation in this significant religious journey.