Islamabad: The federal government has introduced the Hajj Policy 2026 to modernise the Hajj arrangements, under which almost all stages from registration to redressal of complaints will be linked to the digital system. The government says that the new policy aims to provide more transparent, easy and quality services to the pilgrims.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, while addressing a press conference, said that Pakistan’s total Hajj quota will remain at 179,210, while the current ratio of 60 and 40 percent between government and private Hajj schemes has been maintained. He clarified that if the need arises, the federal cabinet will be able to decide to change this ratio.
Under the new policy, pilgrims will be given the facility of registration four years before Hajj, while in the initial stage, only 10 per cent of the expected Hajj expenses will be deposited and the application will be submitted. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the selection of applications will be done on a fully digital waiting list and on a first-come, first-served basis to further enhance transparency.
The government has also made long-term planning a part of the policy in Hajj arrangements. Provision has been made for three- to four-year contracts for essential services, including accommodation, transport, catering, air travel and luggage delivery, with the aim of managing costs effectively and providing better facilities to pilgrims.
Under the government Hajj scheme, it has also been announced to introduce several packages according to different durations and financial capabilities so that citizens of different classes can choose according to their needs. The ministry said that the registration and payment schedule will be released soon.
According to the new Hajj policy, all steps, including registration, payment, monitoring, filing of complaints and their redressal, will be carried out completely through a digital system. It has been made mandatory for private Hajj companies to use the Private Hajj Management Portal (PHMP), through which booking, payment, monitoring and auditing will be done.
The federal minister said that in future, the government will focus on regulatory oversight, quality assurance and transparency instead of directly running Hajj operations, while the role of the private sector will be expanded in a phased manner. Along with this, an independent third-party audit of both public and private Hajj arrangements will also be conducted.
According to Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, the new Hajj policy is in line with the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He said that modern reforms are being introduced in Hajj arrangements through this policy so that world-class facilities, transparent procedures and better administrative services can be provided to Pakistani pilgrims.
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