ISLAMABAD – Major update for thousands of Hajj pilgrims, as government announced that pilgrims will be refunded a total of Rs3.45 billion after careful savings in accommodation, food, transportation, and other services during the pilgrimage.
Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that pilgrims who performed Hajj last year will receive refunds totaling Rs3.45 billion. The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf during a press conference today.
He said the refund process will be completed through bank transfers by October 31. He emphasised that the government continuously strives to improve Hajj arrangements while keeping costs as low as possible. For Hajj 2026, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf revealed that the 40-day Hajj package has been priced at Rs. 1,150,000, while the 25-day short Hajj package will cost Rs1,200,000.
Explaining the refund, the minister said that savings of approximately Rs. 3.45 billion were made during last year’s Hajj in areas such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other services. These savings will now be returned to the pilgrims.
Hajj refund breakdown
| Number of Pilgrims | Refund Amount per Pilgrim |
|---|---|
| 12,286 | 12,000 |
| 13,939 | 25,000 |
| 8,496 | 48,000 |
| 20,302 | 75,000 |
| 10,945 | 90,000 |
| 400 | 110,000 |
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf added that the refund process begins immediately, and pilgrims who are not receiving refunds are those who had fully utilized all facilities provided in Saudi Arabia.
He also announced that for Hajj 2026, pilgrims will again be provided with travel bags and Saudi mobile SIM cards, which will include both internet and phone call services.
