The key features of the Hajj Policy 2026, has been announced by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf after it was approved by the federal cabinet on July 30, 2025.
The minister said…
đź”· Applications and Quota
1. Hajj applications will be accepted starting from August 4, 2025.
2. Total Hajj quota for Pakistan is 179,210 (final confirmation from Saudi Arabia pending).Government Scheme: 119,210 seats Private Hajj Scheme: 60,000 seats.
3. Selection process will be based on a “First Come, First Served” basis due to Saudi timelines.
đź”· Packages and Payments
4. Two types of Government Hajj Scheme packages:Long package: 38–42 daysShort package: 20–25 days
5. Estimated cost: Between PKR 1.15 to 1.25 million (subject to final agreements with service providers)
6. First installment:
Long package: Rs500,000
Short package: PKR 550,0007.
7.Payments to be made in two installments for Government Scheme applicants.
8. First installment can be deposited at any designated bank starting from August 4, 2025.
đź”· Eligibility and Health Requirements
9. Applicants must be Muslim, Pakistani passport holders, with passport validity till at least November 26, 2026.
10. Children under 12 years will not be allowed to perform Hajj in 2026.
11. Animal sacrifice is mandatory for all applicants through the official Saudi system.
12. Saudi-approved vaccinations are compulsory for all pilgrims.
đź”· Overseas Pilgrims
13. Overseas Pakistanis can send their Hajj payments to designated bank accounts under the Government Scheme.
14. Dependent Hajj Companies (DHCs) will be allowed to book overseas pilgrims if payments are sent via foreign exchange through formal banking channels.
15. Pilgrims’ data and transactions must be viewable on the Ministry’s portal.
16. Minimum quota for each DHC will be set according to Saudi guidelines.đź”· Private Sector & Transparency
17. In cases of death, severe illness, or emergency, substitutions will be reviewed by a committee.
18. DHCs may proceed with Mashair bookings after paying 25% advance of the package.
19. Financial safeguards will be introduced to ensure timely payments and transparency in the private sector.
20. DHCs must comply with the Ministry’s IT portal guidelines.
đź”· Monitoring and Technology
21. Third-party evaluation will assess the performance of both Government and Private Hajj Schemes.
22. PITB will retain operational control of digitization, while MoITT/NITB will monitor real-time data and payments, prevent duplicate bookings, and ensure seat availability.
23. The Ministry’s monitoring teams will oversee overall Hajj operations.
24. DHCs must sign Service Provider Agreements (SPA) with the Ministry and be monitored by trained staff.
đź”· Pilgrim Welfare and Training
25. Welfare staff will be deployed for assisting pilgrims.
26. Comprehensive training will be provided, including logistics, rituals, attire, and emergency drills.
27. The “Hujjaj Protection Scheme” will remain in place, offering compensation for losses.
28. Electronic monitoring tools, including a Hajj helpline and Pak Hajj App, will be used for information, complaint registration, and monitoring.
đź”· Emergency & Accountability
29. Emergency response teams will be formed.
30. A robust financial monitoring system will be implemented.
31. The Hajj Supervisory Scheme will continue.
32. A transparent and efficient complaint resolution mechanism will ensure fair handling of grievances.
33. The Ministry will issue proper implementation guidelines for the Hajj Policy.
