- Consent Requirement: Pakistani women must obtain permission from their parents (if unmarried) or husbands (if married) to perform Hajj in 2025, as outlined by the Religious Affairs Ministry and Council of Islamic Ideology.
- Travel Conditions: Women traveling without a male guardian (mehram) must do so in a group of reliable female pilgrims, ensuring safety and dignity during the pilgrimage.
- Additional Rules: Children under 12 are not allowed to perform Hajj, and all pilgrims must be vaccinated with Saudi-approved immunizations.
According to a statement released by the Religious Affairs Ministry on Tuesday, Pakistani women intending to perform the Hajj in 2025 will need approval from their husbands or parents.
Women without this consent will be unable to participate in the pilgrimage.
This year, Saudi Arabia has allocated a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan. Of these, 89,602 individuals will undertake the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the remaining pilgrims will travel with private tour operators, as outlined by the ministry.
Conditions for Women Traveling Alone
The 2025 Hajj Policy, a copy reviewed by Dawn.com, stipulates that women can travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj without a male guardian (mehram), provided they meet specific conditions set by the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
The policy states:
- Consent Requirement: Women must secure permission from their parents if unmarried, or from their husbands if married.
- Travel in Groups: They must travel with a group of reliable female pilgrims to ensure safety and dignity.
These guidelines were established during the CII’s 232nd session held on June 6-7, 2023.
Also Read:
Pakistan Govt. Launches Hajj App to Facilitate Pilgrims
Historical Context and Reforms
In the past, Pakistani women were prohibited from traveling alone for Hajj. However, in 2021, the Saudi government lifted this restriction, allowing women to undertake Hajj and Umrah without a male guardian. This decision was part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing women’s rights under Saudi Arabia’s political leadership.
Additional Policy Highlights
The document also specifies that children under the age of 12 are not permitted to perform Hajj in 2025. Furthermore, pilgrims must be immunized with vaccines approved by Saudi Arabia.
These measures reflect ongoing efforts to align religious practices with modern considerations while ensuring safety and dignity for all participants.
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