ISLAMABAD:
With only a week remaining to complete Hajj bookings, the process for 20,000 intending pilgrims under the private Hajj scheme is still pending.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday chaired a review meeting with representatives of Dependent Hajj Companies (DHCs) and the central and zonal leadership of the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) to assess progress on the private Hajj scheme.
During the meeting, it was revealed that bookings for 40,000 pilgrims have been completed so far under the private scheme, against the allocated quota of 60,000.
The minister emphasized that, in line with the federal cabinet —approved Hajj Policy 2026, the registration process for private Hajj pilgrims must be completed by October 17.
The minister directed all DHCs to ensure the completion of the remaining 20,000 pilgrim bookings within the next seven days.
He also instructed the companies to launch an awareness campaign to encourage timely registration and ensure that no quota remains unutilised.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating all intending pilgrims through effective coordination between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and private Hajj operators.
The Hajj policy 2026 focuses on increased digitization, improved service delivery, and a larger government quota for pilgrims. Key changes include an electronic monitoring system, a mobile app, and a shift in quota allocation to favour the government scheme. For the government scheme, registration applications were accepted in August 2025, with packages estimated between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000.
