Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has confirmed that Saudi Arabia has officially lifted the mahram (male guardian) condition for women performing Hajj.
The announcement was made during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, chaired by Aamir Dogar.
In the session, Sardar Yousaf termed Hajj 2025 a success, stating that Pakistan had received an Excellence Award from the Saudi government for its arrangements — a first in the country’s history.
He added that feedback from pilgrims was overwhelmingly positive, with complaints addressed on the spot through an active task force.
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This year, air-conditioned tents were provided in Arafat and other holy sites for the first time, improving pilgrim comfort during key rituals. The Road to Makkah immigration service, earlier available only in Karachi and Islamabad, is now planned for expansion to Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.
The Minister revealed that 455,000 people have already registered for next year’s Hajj, while the government has requested an increase in quota to 255,000 pilgrims. He also said that the installment payment option is under consideration again for 2026.
On refunds, Sardar Yousaf said funds remain in Saudi Arabia with the option for pilgrims to reclaim them. He clarified that no Indian company was involved in Pakistani pilgrim services.