ISLAMBAD:
In a historic first, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has launched a comprehensive 16-page multi-year policy and plan for Hajj covering the period 2027 to 2030.
Designed to bring long-term stability and profitability to Hajj operations, the strategy is based on securing three to four year contracts in Saudi Arabia for air travel, accommodation, transportation, catering and baggage handling.
Under this new framework, 60% of the overall quota is intended for the government program while 40% goes to private operators. Additionally, all paper-to-cash transactions have been eliminated, routing all financial operations exclusively through the State Bank of Pakistan and integrated digital portals.
To help citizens plan their pilgrimage stress-free, the ministry is introducing a multi-year registration list as well as a “Hajj Savings Program”. By depositing 10% of the total estimated cost, applicants can guarantee priority seating on a first-come, first-served basis for their planned year of travel.
Government pilgrims will have the choice between a standard long package of 38 to 42 days and a short package of 20 to 25 days. In the interest of financial transparency, any operational surplus left at the end of the season will be reimbursed directly to pilgrims.
Major social and regulatory reforms constitute a central pillar of the new policy. Women are now allowed to perform the Hajj without a male guardian (Mahram), provided they present an official commitment. At the same time, strict anti-monopoly measures have been put in place to allow private operators to dismantle industrial cartels; the purchase, sale or sub-leasing of quotas for the Hajj is strictly prohibited.
Private companies must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), process all data through the official Private Hajj Management Portal and maintain specified capital reserves as well as a 5% performance guarantee to obtain a three-year license. Any operator not meeting a minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims will be deactivated, losing half of their security deposit while their pilgrims are reassigned.
The well-being, safety and operational readiness of pilgrims are also important priorities in the four-part plan. Mandatory training will cover rituals, Saudi laws, health hygiene and relevant mobile applications, while social workers (Moawineen) will be recruited solely on the basis of merit, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Cabinet Committee on Private Hajj Policy.
Financial protection is integrated through the Takaful-based Hujjaj Muhafiz program, funded by a non-refundable fee of 1,000 rupees, providing 2 million rupees to the families of pilgrims who died during the Hajj and 250,000 rupees for emergency medical evacuations.
Finally, an emergency response team under the leadership of the Director General of Hajj was established to manage crisis situations, and the federal minister retains the authority to adapt policies in accordance with changing Saudi directives.
