Pakistan has refunded $12.5 million (Rs 3.5 billion) to pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj, as authorities unveiled stricter regulations for private Hajj operators ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage.
Officials confirmed that the refund followed widespread travel disruptions recorded during last year’s Hajj operations. Pakistan also received Saudi Arabia’s Excellence Award in recognition of its overall Hajj arrangements.
To improve travel processes, the government has expanded the Pak Hajj App and extended Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative to Karachi, aimed at easing pre-departure procedures for pilgrims.
Authorities are also finalizing new regulations for Umrah and other religious travel to prevent exploitation and ensure full digitization of the process.
The government announced new provisions for women travelling alone, with certified groups now being formed for women confident to perform Hajj or Umrah without a male guardian.
The minister further clarified that no members of parliament or committee officials would receive free Hajj or Umrah trips, stressing that all officials would pay their own expenses.
