Women, under the strict laws of Saudi Arabia, are not permitted to perform Haj if they have no permission from guardians.
This year, the ministry has also allocated a quota of 179,210 Haj pilgrims from Pakistan.
As for the number, 89,602 pilgrims will go there under the government scheme, and the rest would go through private tour operators, as confirmed by the ministry.
The Haj policy 2025, the women are allowed in Saudi Arabia under specific conditions for the Haj.
During its meeting in June 2023, the Council of Islamic Ideology framed guidelines under this policy.
As per this policy, the consent of their husbands should be sought from married women. Similarly, the consent of parents from the single women for allowing them for the Haj.
In addition, these ladies should travel in a group of known trustworthy females. It is because no danger should pose any threat to their dignity.
Initially, Pakistani women were restricted from visiting the Haj in their country unless in the presence of a mehram; the manly protector.
In 2021, though, Saudi Arabia relaxed its total ban on solo women travelers performing Haj and Umrah.
The Saudi government move is an aspect of more comprehensive efforts aimed at strengthening the rights of women.
The policy also includes other legislations related to Haj pilgrims. It has banned the pilgrimage for children under 12 years old.
In addition, vaccination with immunizations accepted by the authorities of Saudi Arabia has been made mandatory for all pilgrims.
This streamlined structure portrays religious concerns and trip legislations changes, icing safer and further inclusive participation in the transition.
