Ministry of Religious Affairs approves Hajj 2025 schedule, set to begin on April 29 with five airlines involved.
Umrah visa holders can enter Saudi Arabia until April 13.
Pakistani Umrah visa holders directed to return by April 29.
Govt approves Hajj flight schedule from April 29 to May 31.
Saudi Arabia Visa Ban: Pakistan Among 14 Affected Nations, Hajj 2025 Schedule Released
Visa Ban Update
Saudi Arabia has imposed a visa ban on 14 countries, including Pakistan, affecting Umrah, business, and family visas. The restrictions are expected to last until mid-June. According to diplomatic sources, Umrah visa holders can enter Saudi Arabia until April 13. Other countries facing the ban include India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen.
There are also reports of a potential five-year restriction on staying in Saudi Arabia despite the ban. Pakistan has officially been informed by the Saudi government about the decision. Furthermore, Pakistani Umrah visa holders have been instructed to return to Pakistan by April 29.
Hajj 2025 Flight Schedule
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has approved the Hajj 2025 schedule, with the first flight set to depart on April 29. Under the government Hajj scheme, 89,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia, flying with five airlines. The schedule will be available on the Pak Hajj mobile application, which can help pilgrims track their flight details.
The last Hajj flight will depart on May 31, with flights operating from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Multan. Pilgrims are required to be vaccinated at their designated Haji camps at least ten days before their departure. The second phase of pilgrim training will begin on April 8.
PIA Pre-Hajj Operations
Separately, PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) has announced its pre-Hajj operations, running from April 29 to June 1. The airline will transport more than 56,000 Pakistani pilgrims via 280 special flights. Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft will be used for enhanced comfort and organization. The post-Hajj operations by PIA will begin on June 12 and continue until July 10.
Hajj Package Costs
This year, the cost of the 40-day Hajj package has been reduced by Rs25,000, now priced at Rs1,050,000. Similarly, the 25-day short Hajj package has been further reduced by Rs50,000, bringing the total cost to Rs1,100,000.
