Hajj 2025: Govt Directs Applicants to Clear Dues Before October 20 Deadline

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has directed all aspiring pilgrims registered under the regular Government Hajj Scheme to deposit their pending installments and complete outstanding financial obligations before October 20 to avoid the immediate forfeiture and cancellation of their applications.

According to an official advisory issued by the ministry, designated commercial bank branches across the country have been authorized to collect the second installment of Hajj dues from qualified candidates. Officials emphasized that applicants who fail to submit the mandated payment within the prescribed timeline will have their allotments revoked, allowing waiting-list candidates to be accommodated systematically under the official quota.

The measure is designed to streamline logistics and accelerate coordination with Saudi authorities ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season. Finalizing payments on schedule allows the federal government to secure critical accommodation, flight charters, and transport contracts in Mecca and Medina well in advance. Ministry sources noted that timely execution of these financial prerequisites remains essential to shielding pilgrims from unexpected inflationary spikes and operational delays abroad.

The ministry urged registered citizens to visit their designated bank branches along with their official tracking numbers and valid computerized national identity cards (CNICs) before the cut-off date. Further instructions regarding mandatory bio-metric verification, medical examinations, and orientation training schedules will be announced in designated phases following the completion of the payment round.