ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued important guidelines for Pakistani pilgrims intending to perform Hajj, advising them to focus on necessities while travelling rather than carrying extra, burdensome luggage.
One of the holiest acts of Muslims, Hajj is a spiritual experience that becomes a part of the Muslim pilgrim’s life forever. It has been stressed that proper planning before going on the journey makes a difference for the pilgrim’s comfort.
Some of the major directives of the ministry include offering free SIM cards for Saudi Arabia, biometric verification prior to travel, and providing guidelines on arranging accommodation and transportation. These instructions are intended to avoid any inconveniences for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Some of the important documents, like the Hajj card, Nusk card, and wristband, have been mentioned by the ministry, and it has been advised that the pilgrims carry them all the time.
In order to avoid any problem arising due to the extremely high temperature, pilgrims were advised to carry an umbrella, sunglasses, water bottle, and daily medication. Further recommendations include prayer mats, Ihram clothes, a charger for cell phone and a power bank to facilitate the journey without any difficulty.
The authorities conducting Hajj have instructed pilgrims to travel with only essential items, ensuring that they focus on rituals without any distractions.
Hajj 2026: Details of Qurbani costs for Pakistani pilgrims revealed
Meanwhile, Pakistani pilgrims are expected to spend approximately Rs 9.54 billion on Qurbani (animal sacrifice) during the upcoming Hajj season, according to official estimates.
The sources further stated that in total terms, this figure would amount to 120.9 million Saudi riyals.
According to official estimates, 179,210 Pakistanis would be performing Hajj this year while every pilgrim is required to make arrangements for at least one Qurbani (animal sacrifice). The cost per person has been fixed at 720 Saudi riyals, or about Rs 53,000.
It should be mentioned here that 119,210 pilgrims would be performing Hajj under the government Hajj scheme incurring an expenditure of about Rs 6.34 billion on Qurbani rituals.
On the other hand, the estimated expense on Qurbani rituals of 60,000 pilgrims traveling under the private Hajj scheme would amount to about 43.2 million Saudi riyals or Rs 3.19 billion.
The officials pointed out that these figures pertained only to the expenses on Qurbani rituals and were distinct from other expenditures on Hajj.
