On July 31, 2025, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the Hajj Policy for 2026, as announced by Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf. The policy sets the country’s Hajj quota at 179,210 pilgrims. Among these, 119,210 (66.52%) will participate through the government scheme, while 60,000 (33.48%) will travel with private operators, a 50% reduction in the quota allocated for private operators, aimed at improving management and services.
Under the Hajj Policy 2026, applications for the government scheme will open on August 4, 2025, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The ministry’s portal will close once the quota is filled. Priority will be given to those who registered early, according to the ministry’s guidelines.
Hajj Costs and Packages 2026
Under the government scheme, total Hajj expenses range from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000. Pilgrims must deposit Rs500,000 as the first instalment in early August. A shorter 20–25-day package is available for convenience.
The minister explained that he private quota cut addresses past lapses, where some operators failed to deposit payments on time. Non-performing private companies must now accommodate affected pilgrims from last year at 2025 rates.
The policy mandates full digitisation of the Hajj process starting in 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of IT. Key features include real-time tracking, digital wristbands, mobile apps, SIM cards, and an improved compensation system.
Other improvements:
- Financial eligibility criteria for private operators to ensure transparency.
- Neutral third-party monitoring for both schemes.
- Mandatory Saudi-approved vaccinations.
- “Road to Makkah” facility at Islamabad and Karachi airports.
- Comprehensive training for pilgrims and emergency response teams.
- Transparent grievance redressal and financial oversight.
- Continuation of the Hajj Nazim Scheme.
- No children under 12 allowed.
In a Senate standing committee meeting on July 30, chaired by Senator Attaur Rehman, a senior official discussed consultations on sea travel for Zaireen to Karbala for Arbaeen. Senator Raja Nasir Abbas emphasised protecting religious rights, with the minister assuring all concerns would be addressed.
