Hajj Flights Agreement Signed Between Religious Affairs Ministry and PIA

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have signed an agreement for Hajj flights, a spokesperson from the ministry confirmed on Wednesday.

This follows the approval of Pakistan’s new Hajj policy earlier this month, which allows 179,210 Pakistanis to perform the pilgrimage next year under both government and private schemes.

The spokesperson mentioned that PIA will provide travel services for 35,000 official pilgrims. Agreements with Saudi Airlines and other local carriers will also be finalized soon. PIA’s CEO, Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat, emphasized the airline’s commitment to ensuring the best possible facilities for Hajj pilgrims.

On Monday, Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced an installment plan for pilgrims to pay their Hajj fees.

The expected cost for next year’s Hajj under the government scheme will range from Rs1,075,000 to Rs1,175,000, with an additional Rs55,000 for animal sacrifices during the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will be required to pay an initial installment of Rs200,000 at the time of application, followed by a second installment of Rs400,000 within ten days if selected in the balloting. The remaining balance is due by February 10 next year.