The federal cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has officially approved Pakistan’s Hajj Policy 2026, setting comprehensive guidelines on pilgrimage quotas, costs, eligibility criteria, and operational procedures.
The decision was announced during a high-level cabinet meeting, followed by a detailed press conference by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf.
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Key Features of Hajj Policy 2026
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Pilgrimage Quota:
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2026 will be 179,210 pilgrims. Of these, 119,000 seats have been allocated to the government Hajj scheme, while 60,000 are reserved for private Hajj operators. -
Application Schedule:
The collection of applications for the government scheme will commence on August 4, 2025. -
Estimated Cost:
The cost for performing Hajj will range between Rs1.15 million to Rs1.25 million, depending on logistical arrangements.
Pilgrims will be allowed to pay in two installments, with the first set at Rs500,000. -
Eligibility:
Children under 12 years of age will not be permitted to perform Hajj in 2026.
All pilgrims must receive vaccinations approved by the Saudi government. -
Training & Support:
Pilgrims will receive comprehensive training on rituals, clothing, logistics, and emergency procedures.
The government will also establish a transparent complaint redressal mechanism and emergency response teams. -
Monitoring & Oversight:
A third-party monitoring agency will oversee the operations of both public and private Hajj schemes.
Pilgrim data will be published on the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ website to ensure real-time tracking and transparency.
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Reforms for Private Hajj Operators
In a significant move, the government has decided to reduce the private Hajj sector’s quota, aiming to improve service quality and accountability.
Minister Yousaf stated that private operators who failed to accommodate pilgrims last year must do so this year without additional charges.
A financial eligibility framework for private tour operators has also been introduced to ensure the secure and timely collection of funds.
Alignment with Saudi Guidelines
The Hajj Policy 2026 has been designed to align with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj timeline, ensuring that all logistical preparations are completed well in advance.
Responding to concerns raised in a recent Senate committee report, the minister clarified that the Ministry of Religious Affairs was not consulted but will formally respond and consider the recommendations.
Sardar Yousaf concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering a safe, spiritually enriching, and transparent Hajj experience for all Pakistani pilgrims.
