ISLAMABAD:
With only a week left to complete Hajj bookings, the process for 20,000 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 (DHC) and central and zonal leadership of Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) to assess the progress of the private Hajj scheme.
During the meeting, it was revealed that bookings for 40,000 pilgrims under the private scheme have been completed so far, against the allocated quota of 60,000.
The minister emphasized that according to the Hajj Policy 2026 approved by the federal cabinet, the registration process for private Hajj pilgrims must be completed by October 17.
The minister directed all DHCs to ensure completion of the remaining 20,000 pilgrim bookings in the next seven days.
He also directed companies to launch an awareness campaign to encourage timely registration and ensure that no quota remains unutilized.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitate all pilgrims through effective coordination between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and private Hajj operators.
The Hajj 2026 policy focuses on greater digitalization, better service delivery and a higher government quota for pilgrims. Key changes include an electronic tracking system, a mobile app and a change in quota allocation to favor the government plan. For the government scheme, registration applications were accepted in August 2025, with packages estimated between Rs 1,150,000 and Rs 1,250,000.
