The Prime Minister of Pakistan has approved a joint summary submitted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Ministry of Finance, and National Savings to facilitate Pakistani Hajj pilgrims and enable them to plan their pilgrimage expenses in advance.
Preparation of interest-free “Hajj Savings Plan” following PM approval
ISLAMABAD, Oct 9 (APP): The Prime Minister of Pakistan has approved a joint summary submitted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Ministry of Finance, and National Savings to facilitate Pakistani Hajj pilgrims and enable them to plan their pilgrimage expenses in advance.
Following the Prime Minister’s approval, the way has been cleared for the introduction of an interest-free “Hajj Savings Plan” for Pakistani pilgrims, said the spokesperson of the religious ministry.
The plan will be fully compliant with Sharia principles and will be developed through collaboration among the three government entities.
According to details, a key meeting held on Friday at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza and attended by representatives of the Ministry of Finance, National Savings, and the Hajj Wing.
Participants were informed that the Hajj Savings Plan would enable pilgrims to save regularly in advance to prepare for their sacred journey.
Under the proposed system, pilgrims will be able to deposit funds monthly through digital channels.
The plan will also offer features such as flexible savings periods, fund transfers to family members, and withdrawals at any time without deductions.
The Secretary of Religious Affairs stated that the primary objective of the Hajj Savings Plan is to help pilgrims plan their Hajj expenses in a timely and organized manner, manage the impact of rising inflation, and make preparations for their sacred journey easier.
The Secretary further directed the relevant departments to finalize the rules and regulations for the plan within two months, in accordance with the approved summary.
The regulations will also include provisions for an Umrah Savings Scheme and a Religious Pilgrimages Savings Scheme, alongside the Hajj Savings Plan.
Developed through collaboration among the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Ministry of Finance, and National Savings, this digital initiative will mark a significant step towards modernizing financial planning for Hajj.
It also represents an important component of the government’s broader vision to digitize Hajj arrangements.
Further details regarding the Hajj Savings Plan, including application procedures, eligibility criteria, savings periods, digital facilities, and other relevant information, will be announced to the public in due course.
