ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet approved the Hajj Policy 2025 on the recommendation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
The federal cabinet meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the meeting, the federal cabinet was informed that, under the Hajj Policy, children below the age of 12 will not be allowed to travel for Hajj this year.
It was mentioned in the briefing that computerized balloting will be conducted regarding the government quota. 1,000 seats will be reserved for hardship cases, and 300 seats have been allocated for laborers or low-income employees who will be registered with the Workers Welfare Fund or the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institute.
The cabinet was informed that the “Road to Mecca” facility will be available at the international airports of Islamabad and Karachi. Hajj group organizers will sign a service provider agreement with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and these organizers will be closely monitored regarding the provision of services.
The cabinet was also informed that a new post of Nazim has been established to oversee the provision of better facilities for the pilgrims. One Nazim will be appointed for every 100 pilgrims, selected from the welfare staff.
The cabinet was further informed that compensation has been increased for those who die or are injured during Hajj. Instead of Rs 1 million, the families of deceased pilgrims will now receive Rs 2 million in compensation, while the injured will receive Rs 1 million.
Read More: JCP approves first constitutional bench led by Justice Aminuddin Khan
The cabinet was informed that a special Hajj management application has been developed for the convenience of pilgrims, and special arrangements have been made for their training.
The federal cabinet approved the Hajj Policy 2025 on the recommendation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
The cabinet directed that priority be given in Hajj balloting to those who will perform Hajj for the first time. It further directed that all necessary steps be taken to ensure the provision of the best facilities for the pilgrims.
The federal cabinet approved the appointment of Saeed Iqbal, Moazzam Ahmed, Madiha Khalid, Usman Haider, and Muhammad Sajjad Farooqi as private members on the board of the Public-Private Partnership Authority on the recommendation of the Ministry of Planning.
In addition, the federal cabinet ratified the post-signature agreement for the transfer of the Foreign Commercial Financing Facility from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) on the recommendation of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue.
During the meeting, the federal cabinet approved the Jammu and Kashmir State Property Budget for the financial year 2024-25 on the recommendation of the Ministry of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs.
The cabinet also approved the agreement between the Directorate General of Ports and Shipping, Karachi, and Bahria Classification Society regarding the certification and classification of ships, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
Lower interest rates will reduce the volume of loans, says Prime Minister
Speaking in a meeting of the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the reduction in interest rates is positive news for the country’s economy and business. The interest rate has come down from 22 percent to 15 percent, as the central bank has gradually reduced interest rates in recent months. Lower interest rates will reduce the volume of loans.
Shehbaz Sharif added that if the improvement continues, the economy will move forward in a positive direction, as economic indicators are trending positively.
The Prime Minister noted that during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman had expressed his best wishes for Pakistan.
