Pakistan on Wednesday announced stricter regulations for private Hajj operators for the 2026 pilgrimage, following widespread travel disruptions last year.
The move aims to prevent mismanagement and ensure refunds for affected pilgrims.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said the private Hajj quota has been reduced after an investigation ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Last year, 60,000 pilgrims could not perform Hajj under the private scheme,” he noted, adding that operators have been instructed to prioritize those left behind and guarantee refunds.
Authorities confirmed that Rs 3.5 billion ($12.5 million) was refunded to pilgrims in 2025. Pakistan also received Saudi Arabia’s “Excellence Award” for its overall Hajj arrangements.
To ease travel, Yousuf said the government has expanded the Pak Hajj App and extended Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative to Karachi.
New regulations for Umrah and other religious travel are also being finalized to prevent exploitation and digitize the process fully.
The minister highlighted new provisions for women traveling alone, stating that certified groups are now being formed for women confident to perform Hajj or Umrah without a male guardian.
Yousuf further clarified that no parliament members or committee officials are receiving free Hajj or Umrah; all officials will cover their own expenses.
