Pakistan PM pledges support for overseas workers amid surge in remittances

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Tuesday announced a reduction of up to Rs50,000 ($179) in this year’s Hajj packages and a refund of over Rs4.75 billion ($17 million) to 2024 pilgrims.

Last month, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Hajj Agreement 2025, under which 179,210 Pakistanis will perform the annual pilgrimage this year. The quota is divided equally between government and private schemes.
To make the pilgrimage more convenient and accessible, Pakistan has introduced a shortened Hajj program of 20 to 25 days. The Ministry of Religious Affairs initially set the cost at Rs1,075,000 ($3,854) for the long Hajj package and Rs1,150,000 ($4,122) for the short Hajj package, as shorter stays often incur higher airfare, premium accommodation rates and expedited transport services, driving up overall costs.
For the first time, the Hajj Policy 2025 also allowed pilgrims to pay in installments, easing financial constraints. Under the scheme, the first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) was required with the application, followed by Rs400,000 ($1,435) within 10 days of balloting, while the remaining amount had to be paid by February 10.
“After successful negotiations by our committee in Saudi Arabia, the cost of the 40-day long Hajj package has been reduced by Rs25,000 ($90) to Rs1,050,000 ($3,764), while the 25-day short Hajj package has been reduced by Rs50,000 ($179) to Rs1,100,000 ($3,943),” Hussain told reporters in Islamabad.
He said pilgrims must submit the third installment in designated banks between February 6 and February 14, while every pilgrim will receive a notification via the ‘Pak Hajj’ cellphone app launched by the government.
The app is designed to provide real-time updates, guidance, emergency contacts, lodging details, route navigation and complaint registration to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
“Pilgrims opting for the long Hajj package will need to pay a third installment of Rs450,000 ($1,613), while the third installment for the short Hajj package will be Rs500,000 ($1,794),” Hussain said.
He further informed that over Rs4.75 billion ($17 million) will be refunded to 2024 Hajj pilgrims, citing savings in sacrificial animal costs and airfare reductions.
“Refunds will be disbursed into pilgrims’ accounts from February 7 onwards,” he added.
The minister said this year’s government Hajj quota has been fully utilized and expressed hope that pilgrims will have an even better experience than last year.
“Pilgrims will have assistance available at all times, as one Hajj assistant will be assigned for every 150 pilgrims,” he continued.
“The assistant will travel with the pilgrims from the Hajj camp, stay with them and return with them, ensuring continuous support throughout the journey,” he added.

KARACHI: A senior Pakistani naval official said on Tuesday two Saudi warships, HMS Jazan and HMS Hail, will participate in the ninth edition of his country’s naval exercise, AMAN-25, which is scheduled to be held from February 7 to 11.
The AMAN exercise, held every two years in the North Arabian Sea, is a multinational naval drill organized by the Pakistan Navy to enhance regional maritime security and interoperability among allied forces. The exercise was first held in 2007 and has since attracted participants from across the world.
According to official information, AMAN-2025 will witness the participation of nearly 60 countries and will be conducted in two phases. The harbor phase will take place from February 7 to 9, while the sea phase, running from February 10 to 11, will include search and rescue operations, live weapon firings and an international fleet review.
Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander of the Pakistani Fleet, highlighted his country’s strong maritime ties with Saudi Arabia during a news conference.
“Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country,” he said, as he mentioned the participation of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in the exercise while pointing out that Pakistan also enjoyed close relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Pakistan’s relations with both these countries are already strong, but there is also a very close navy-to-navy collaboration with them,” he continued. “We have conducted a number of exercises with them, and both countries will also be actively participating in this exercise.”

Calling the participation from Saudi Arabia “very encouraging,” the naval official said in addition to the two Saudi ships, the Kingdom’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Underwater Demolition (UWD) teams would also participate.
“The UAE has one ship participating as well, and their SOF and UWD teams are also participating,” he added.
This year’s exercise is expected to include a wide range of maritime professionals, with over 200 observers from around the world in attendance.
The Pakistani rear admiral noted the role of the AMAN Dialogue, which is scheduled to take place alongside the exercise. He informed it will bring together naval chiefs, coast guards and defense forces from participating nations.
The forum will allow military leaders to exchange insights and discuss strategies for addressing emerging maritime challenges.
“More than just a military drill, AMAN embodies Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to fostering regional stability, ensuring safe and secure seas and countering nontraditional and asymmetric threats,” he maintained.
“Above all, it serves as a vital platform for strengthening interoperability, information sharing and mutual understanding among like-minded regional and extra-regional navies, thus reinforcing the belief that maritime security is a shared responsibility,” he added.