ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday unveiled its first four-year Hajj policy, setting out reforms through 2030 that will expand the role of private operators, introduce multi-year registration for pilgrims and digitize much of the country’s management of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The policy marks a shift from Pakistan’s previous practice of approving a Hajj policy each year. Officials say the longer-term framework is intended to improve planning, strengthen oversight and bring the country’s Hajj arrangements in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, which increasingly emphasize digital services and standardized procedures.
Pakistan is one of the largest contributors of Hajj pilgrims each year. For the 2026 pilgrimage, the country was allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, including 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 through private operators.
“The Hajj Policy 2027-2030 is the beginning of a new phase of Hajj arrangements in Pakistan,” Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said at a press conference in Islamabad.
“This policy is based on transparency, merit, digital governance, responsiveness and the success of participants. Our aim is not just to make arrangements, but to provide every Pakistani Hajji with such a reliable, easy and sustainable journey.”
Under the new policy, 60 percent of Pakistan’s Hajj quota will be allocated to the government scheme and 40 percent to private tour operators from 2027 through 2030 unless the federal cabinet decides otherwise. The government also plans to gradually transition from directly organizing Hajj to primarily regulating, supervising and setting service standards, while increasing private-sector participation.
Unlike previous annual registration exercises, intending pilgrims under the new policy will be able to register continuously for any Hajj season through 2030 by paying 10 percent of the estimated cost upfront and selecting their preferred year. Officials said a transparent digital waiting list operating on a first-come, first-served basis would replace the existing selection process where demand exceeds available places.
The government will also introduce multiple Hajj packages under the official scheme, allowing pilgrims to choose options that best suit their needs, while any unspent portion of Hajj payments will continue to be refunded after the pilgrimage, the minister said.
Private Hajj operators will be registered and monitored according to service quality and performance rather than quota allocation alone. A mandatory digital management portal will handle bookings, monitoring, audits and performance assessments, while all Hajj payments will be processed through government-designated banks to improve transparency and financial security.
The policy also introduces a digital complaint management and appeals system, third-party audits of both government and private Hajj operations, merit-based selection of Hajj support staff and enhanced training covering pilgrimage rituals, mobile applications, health guidance, emergency response and Saudi laws.
Officials said a new Hajj Muafiz scheme would provide financial assistance in cases of death, accidents or emergency evacuation during the pilgrimage, alongside dedicated emergency response teams to assist Pakistani pilgrims.
