Pakistan announces first four-year Hajj policy, package per person

ISLAMABAD -- The federal government on Wednesday unveiled Pakistan's first-ever four-year Hajj Policy for the 2027-2030 period, introducing comprehensive reforms aimed at modernising pilgrimage arrangements through greater transparency, technology and improved governance.

Briefing the media, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the landmark policy marked the beginning of fundamental and sustainable reforms in Hajj administration. He described it as a reflection of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's commitment to ensuring efficient, transparent and internationally recognised pilgrimage arrangements.

The minister said the policy had been formulated under the prime minister's directives with a strong emphasis on digitalisation, transparency and practical implementation. He added that the long-term framework would bring Pakistan's Hajj management in line with international standards.

For the first time, the policy introduces a registration and waiting list system, allowing intending pilgrims to secure their place by depositing 10 per cent of the estimated Hajj cost at the time of application.

Sardar Yousaf said the existing allocation ratio between the government and private Hajj schemes would remain unchanged at 60 and 40 per cent respectively. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue to oversee regulation and monitoring of all Hajj operations.

He said all procurement in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would be conducted through transparent procedures, while any surplus funds remaining after settlement of expenses would be refunded to pilgrims.

The minister also announced stricter oversight of private Hajj operators, stating that their registration and allocation of quotas would be based on performance rather than entitlement alone.

To improve service delivery, the government will introduce a digital complaints management and appeals system, alongside enhanced training programmes for pilgrims before departure.

Sardar Yousaf said the Hujjaj Protection Scheme would continue under the new policy, which has been designed in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. He described the 2027-2030 framework as the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan's Hajj management, with the objective of providing pilgrims not only with efficient arrangements but also with a dignified and comfortable pilgrimage experience.

He estimated that the Hajj package would cost between Rs1.2 million and Rs1.3 million, adding that any increase or decrease in Pakistan's Hajj quota would remain the prerogative of the federal cabinet.

The minister noted that Pakistan had previously received recognition for its Hajj management, while reiterating that decisions regarding the national Hajj quota would continue to be taken by the federal cabinet.