KPK Announces Free Hajj for 17 Laborers

In a heartwarming and groundbreaking move, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government has announced that 17 laborers from the province will be sent to Hajj free of cost this year. This decision reflects the government's commitment to honoring the hard work of laborers and making religious obligations accessible to all, regardless of financial status.

• 17 laborers selected for free Hajj pilgrimage.

• Fully sponsored by the KPK government.

• First time such an initiative has been introduced in the province.

• Aimed at recognizing the contribution of laborers to society.

• Transparent selection process to ensure fair representation.

For years, laborers — often the backbone of the economy — have been overlooked when it comes to social welfare programs. Recognizing this gap, the KPK government under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur launched this unique initiative to allow deserving workers the opportunity to fulfill one of Islam’s most sacred obligations.

The move is seen as part of broader social welfare reforms aimed at uplifting the working class, offering them not just financial relief but spiritual fulfillment as well.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Labor Department of KPK worked together to create a fair and transparent selection process.

• Must be a registered laborer with the Labor Department.

• Should not have performed Hajj previously.

• Priority given to those with low income and seniority in their professions.

• Medical fitness to undertake the journey.

• Random computerized balloting to maintain transparency.

The lucky 17 individuals were chosen through an open ballot, ensuring that there was no favoritism or political influence involved.

This initiative has several important implications for society:

• Social Inclusion: Acknowledging laborers as vital contributors deserving state support.

• Religious Fulfillment: Allowing underprivileged Muslims to perform their religious duties.

• Public Trust: Strengthening trust between government institutions and citizens.

• Role Model: Setting a precedent for other provinces to follow.

The KPK government has made comprehensive arrangements for the selected laborers:

• Airfare, accommodation, food, and transport are fully covered.

• Training workshops are organized to prepare them for the Hajj rituals.

• Medical screenings are conducted to ensure health and safety.

• Special travel kits provided, including necessary items for Hajj.

The pilgrims are expected to depart in early June 2025 along with other Pakistani pilgrims as part of the official Hajj flights.

Many of the selected individuals come from humble backgrounds — daily wage workers, masons, carpenters, and factory workers — whose dreams of performing Hajj seemed impossible until now.

• Mohammad Iqbal, a construction worker from Peshawar, said:
  “I never thought I would see the Holy Kaaba with my own eyes. This is a dream come true.”

• Sajid Khan, a factory worker from Swat, shared:
  “My income was barely enough to feed my family. Performing Hajj was a distant dream. I am grateful to the KPK government for this opportunity.”

Their emotional reactions underscore the profound impact of this government initiative.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah includes a series of rituals meant to symbolize the unity of Muslims and their submission to Allah.

Performing Hajj brings:

• Spiritual purification.

• Deep sense of accomplishment.

• Opportunity to seek forgiveness and start anew.

For many laborers, this once-in-a-lifetime journey is now becoming a reality.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur praised the efforts of the Labor Department:

“Our laborers are the unsung heroes of our development. Their hard work builds our future, and it is our responsibility to recognize and reward them.”

Minister for Labor and Human Resources, Mr. Shahid Khattak, added:

“This is not just a free trip; it is our way of honoring the dignity of labor. We will continue to launch similar initiatives in the future.”

The announcement was warmly welcomed across Pakistan:

• Social media was flooded with positive messages, prayers, and congratulations.

• Religious scholars and civil society activists praised the government for the initiative.

• Calls are now growing for other provincial governments to replicate this welfare model.

The sentiment on social media was overwhelmingly positive, with hashtags like #FreeHajjForLaborers and #KPKInitiative trending shortly after the announcement.

The KPK government’s initiative to send 17 laborers for free Hajj in 2025 is a landmark achievement in social welfare, religious inclusivity, and government responsiveness. It honors the hard work of laborers and paves the way for a more compassionate society where no one is left behind due to financial barriers.

As the 17 selected laborers embark on this sacred journey, their stories will continue to inspire millions across the nation.