Summary Pakistan is preparing an interest-free Hajj savings plan allowing monthly digital deposits, flexible saving periods and family transfers, with rules expected within two months.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan has begun preparations to introduce an interest-free Hajj savings plan aimed at helping prospective pilgrims manage the rising cost of performing Hajj through regular savings.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the Finance Ministry and Central Directorate of National Savings, has started work on the proposed scheme following approval from the prime minister.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the plan will allow prospective pilgrims to deposit money monthly through digital channels, making it easier to accumulate the funds required for the pilgrimage.
The proposed scheme will offer flexibility in selecting the savings period and include a family transfer facility. Officials are also considering allowing participants to withdraw their savings at any time without deductions.
A consultative meeting involving representatives of the Finance Ministry and National Savings was held under the chairmanship of the secretary of religious affairs to discuss the initiative.
The secretary directed officials to prepare the rules governing the Hajj savings plan within two months.
The government is also considering introducing similar savings schemes for Umrah and religious pilgrimages, according to the ministry’s spokesperson.
The initiative is intended to help prospective pilgrims plan their finances in advance and manage the impact of inflation on pilgrimage expenses.
By enabling regular monthly deposits, the proposed scheme could provide a structured way for families to save towards Hajj rather than arranging the entire amount at once.
The ministry said further details, including the scheme’s operating mechanism, would be announced in due course.
The plan remains under development, and its final rules, launch date and other implementation details have yet to be announced.
