Saudi Arabia Lifts Mahram Requirement for Women Pilgrims; Installment Option for Hajj Costs Under Consideration

Islamabad: Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf announced that Saudi Arabia has removed the requirement for a Mahram (male guardian) for women pilgrims wishing to perform Hajj. Additionally, the government is considering offering Hajj expenses in installments for this year as well.
According to Express News, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on the Ministry of Religious Affairs met under the chairmanship of Ameer Dogar. During the session, Minister Sardar Mohammad Yousaf briefed the committee on the recent developments regarding Hajj.
Sardar Yousaf mentioned that the 2025 Hajj was a success, and the Saudi government awarded Pakistan with the Excellence Award, marking the first time the country received such an honor. He highlighted that the feedback from Pakistani pilgrims was overwhelmingly positive. He also mentioned that the task force for Hajj made excellent arrangements for pilgrims, and any complaints were resolved on-site. For the first time, air-conditioned facilities were provided during Hajj rituals, including air-conditioned tents in Arafat.
He further added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had instructed that arrangements be made in line with Saudi guidelines, and a new Hajj policy is being drafted. Committee members were invited to submit their suggestions for this policy.
Chairman Ameer Dogar praised the successful arrangements for the current year’s Hajj and congratulated the Minister and his team for their efforts. He emphasized the need for even better arrangements for Hajj 2026.
Minister Yousaf revealed that 67,000 private pilgrims were left out due to quota limitations. However, an additional 10,000 pilgrims were granted permission, with 63,000 Pakistani pilgrims unable to participate this year.
Regarding the standard of accommodation in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, the minister explained that “Road to Makkah” services were provided for Karachi and Islamabad pilgrims. The Saudi government had deployed 50 personnel per location for immigration services. For future Hajj, efforts are underway to extend these services to Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.
Sardar Yousaf also mentioned that 455,000 people had registered for Hajj this year, surpassing the previous year’s quota of 189,000. He noted that the quota for next year could increase to 255,000, for which the request has already been made.
Committee member Asiya Tanoli praised the successful completion of Hajj and noted that many pilgrims were giving excellent feedback. Minister Yousaf assured that all necessary facilities were provided for the pilgrims, including ice cream.
Responding to questions about the refunds for pilgrims who missed Hajj this year, the minister confirmed that 365 million Saudi Riyals had been collected in Saudi Arabia, and those who wish to get a refund could do so. Private Hajj operators suggested that the funds could be retained for future pilgrimages.
When asked about the possibility of allowing women to perform Hajj without a Mahram, Minister Yousaf confirmed that Saudi Arabia has lifted this requirement. Furthermore, he stated that the installment option for Hajj costs would be considered again for this year.
The Chairman of the committee proposed holding a session in Saudi Arabia and suggested starting maritime travel for Umrah and pilgrims. Another committee member, Seema Mohiuddin, inquired about the possibility of a subsidy for Hajj similar to India’s scheme. Committee member Asiya Tanoli also raised the issue of facilitating youth pilgrims.
Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that maritime travel options for Hajj, Umrah, and pilgrims are currently being explored.