ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has approved its Hajj Policy for 2026, significantly increasing the government’s share in the pilgrimage quota to 70 percent and introducing various reforms to improve transparency, service quality, and digitisation for pilgrims.
The policy, approved by the federal cabinet on Wednesday, also outlines expected costs for government-sponsored pilgrims, estimated between PKR 1.15 to 1.25 million, state-run APP news agency reported.
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was given a detailed briefing on the Hajj Policy 2026.
The federal cabinet was informed that 70 percent of Pakistan’s Hajj quota will be allocated to the government Hajj Scheme, while the rest will go to the private sector, Radio Pakistan reported.
Private companies will ensure Hajj for those who were unable to perform it last year due to the private Hajj tour operators’ negligence.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister welcomed the complete digitisation of next year’s Hajj operations, aimed at providing high-quality services to pilgrims.
PM Sharif instructed that all essential facilities must be made available to those performing Hajj.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs was directed to ensure the full implementation of the Hajj policy.
It was noted that third-party validation will be mandatory for both government and private Hajj operations.
Pilgrims will receive services in proportion to the amount they pay, with a focus on maintaining service quality. Additionally, 1,000 seats will be reserved for hardship cases.
Each private Hajj operator will be required to serve a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims, and strict monitoring of these companies will be enforced throughout the Hajj season.
Real-time tracking of pilgrims’ payments and processing will also be introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency.
The meeting apprised that the pilgrims will be provided mobile SIMs, digital wristbands, quality accommodation and meals, and compensation in case of emergencies or accidents.
The “Pak Hajj” mobile app will be further enhanced for payments, training, complaints, and other services.
Meanwhile, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, addressing a press conference, said that the government will start collecting dues under the official Hajj scheme from August 4, and the selection will be made strictly on a “first-come, first-served” basis in line with the Saudi timeline.
Estimated costs
Minister Yousaf said the government scheme will offer both the traditional 38–42-day package and a shorter 20–25-day option. He said estimated costs will range between PKR 1.15 to 1.25 million, depending on the finalised agreements with service providers.
He said Pilgrims will be required to deposit the Hajj dues in two installments, with the first installment – PKR 500,000 for the long package and PKR 550,000 for the short one through designated banks, he added.
Minister Yousaf said applicants must hold valid Pakistani passports until at least November 26, 2026, and children under 12 years of age will not be eligible for Hajj this year.
He added that all pilgrims must be vaccinated with Saudi-approved vaccines. He said the ‘Road to Makkah’ initiative will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports.
The minister went on to say that the overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to remit Hajj payments to nominated bank accounts under the scheme. The policy mandates compulsory animal sacrifice payments through the official Saudi system, he added.
Minister Yousaf said private Hajj operators, including Dependent Hajj Companies (DHCs), will be subject to strict financial safeguards and transparent digital oversight.
He said further measures include the deployment of emergency response teams, the continuation of the “Hajj Guardian Scheme” to compensate pilgrims for losses, mandatory training on logistics, rituals, and emergency protocols, and a fully digitised complaint mechanism.
