Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, revealed that Hajj applications will be accepted starting August 4. The federal government has also announced a significant reduction in the private Hajj quota, cutting it by half for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
Under the newly approved Hajj Policy 2026, Pakistan’s total pilgrim quota remains at 179,210. Of these, 119,210 slots—about two-thirds—are allocated to the government’s regular Hajj scheme, while the private sector’s share has been reduced to 60,000, or roughly one-third of the total.
The cost for performing Hajj under the government scheme will range from Rs. 1,150,000 to Rs. 1,250,000, with an initial deposit of Rs. 500,000 required in the first week of August. The government scheme will offer packages lasting between 20 and 25 days, and priority will be given to those who registered earlier as per the ministry’s instructions.
Explaining the decision to reduce the private quota, Minister Yousuf stated that the move aims to improve management and service quality among private operators. He also noted that the ministry was not consulted during the Senate subcommittee’s review of last year’s quota lapse.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has clarified that its online portal will stop accepting applications once the government scheme’s quota is filled.
In related developments, the Senate standing committee discussed the possibility of allowing Zaireen to travel by sea to Karbala for Arbaeen, as well as the ongoing road travel ban. The government assured that the religious rights of Zaireen would be protected and all concerns addressed.
The new Hajj policy also introduces full digitisation of the pilgrimage process starting in 2026. Seventy percent of pilgrims will be accommodated under the government scheme, while thirty percent will go through private operators, who will now face stricter oversight.
Private Hajj companies that failed to deliver services last year are required to facilitate the same pilgrims in 2026. Key improvements include real-time tracking, digital wristbands, mobile apps, SIM cards, and a revamped compensation system. The Ministry of IT will collaborate with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to implement these digital upgrades.
To ensure transparency, private operators must now meet financial eligibility criteria, and both public and private Hajj schemes will be monitored by an independent third party. The selection process will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and only pilgrims with Saudi-approved vaccinations will be eligible.
The “Road to Makkah” facility will be available at Islamabad and Karachi airports. Pilgrims will receive comprehensive training, and emergency response teams will be established. The ministry also plans to introduce robust financial oversight and a transparent grievance redressal system.
The Hajj Nazim Scheme will continue, and children under 12 years old will not be permitted to perform Hajj.