Pakistani pilgrim gestures while interacting with an official at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on May 2, 2026. (SPA/File)
- Ministry says it has already obtained a performance guarantee from Hajj tour organizers
- Pakistan seeks an increase in its Hajj quota to around 230,000 pilgrims for the next year
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has asked Hajj pilgrims to submit complaints against their pilgrimage organizers by July 20 to help decide whether to renew or cancel their licenses for Hajj next year, the religious affairs ministry said on Sunday.
Pakistan was allocated one of the world’s largest Hajj quotas of 179,210 pilgrims for 2026. The country has sought an increase to around 230,000 for 2027, saying it would better reflect Pakistan’s population. Saudi Arabia has yet to announce next year’s Hajj quotas.
The religious ministry said pilgrims can submit signed complaints or suggestions about their tour operators or shareholder companies by post or via email, along with supporting evidence and documents, for a review under the prescribed procedures.
“Complaints received from pilgrims will be taken into consideration during the processes of license revalidation, renewal, and cancelation,” the religious ministry said. “Complaints received after July 20, 2026, will not be entertained.”
The ministry highlighted that it has already obtained a performance guarantee from Hajj tour organizers and shareholder companies.
This week, the religious affairs ministry said more than 150,000 Pakistanis have already registered for Hajj 2027 in less than 10 days of a government registration drive as preparations gather pace for next year’s annual pilgrimage.
The cost and other operational details for Hajj 2027 will be announced in the second phase of the process, and the entire Hajj operation will be managed through a paperless, end-to-end digital system developed by Pakistan’s National Information Technology Board.
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