Pakistan Announces First-Ever Four-Year Hajj Policy to Improve Pilgrimage Management

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has announced Pakistan’s first-ever four-year Hajj policy, describing it as a major step toward bringing lasting improvements to the country’s Hajj management system.

Speaking at a briefing on the new policy, the minister said the four-year framework is aimed at making Hajj administration more efficient, organized, and sustainable.

Under the new policy, a registration and waiting list system will be introduced for the first time. Prospective pilgrims will be able to register for Hajj by making an initial payment of only 10 percent of the total cost, after which they will be placed on the waiting list.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the quota distribution between the government and private Hajj schemes will remain unchanged at 60 percent and 40 percent, respectively. However, the registration and monitoring of private Hajj operators will be based not only on quota allocation but also on their overall performance.

The minister said the estimated cost of next year’s Hajj package is expected to range between Rs1.2 million and Rs1.3 million. He added that the authority to increase or decrease Pakistan’s Hajj quota will remain with the federal cabinet.

According to the minister, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will play a stronger role in overseeing Hajj operations, ensuring effective regulation, transparency, and improved services so that pilgrims receive better, safer, and higher-quality facilities throughout their journey.