ISLAMABAD – The government has cut the private Hajj quota by 50% for the 2026 pilgrimage season, officials confirmed Thursday. This decision follows the failure of several private Hajj operators to fulfill their responsibilities in 2025.
Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said the government will begin accepting Hajj applications from August 4. The total quota for Pakistan remains at 179,210 pilgrims. Out of these, 119,210 will travel under the government scheme, while only 60,000 slots are now reserved for the private sector.
This means about 66.52% of pilgrims will perform Hajj through the government, and 33.48% through private companies.
The minister explained that the reduction in the private Hajj quota aims to improve service quality. Private operators who failed to deliver in 2025 must now accommodate the same pilgrims in 2026 at the same cost as the previous year.
The Hajj Policy 2026 introduces full digitisation of the process. Real-time tracking, digital wristbands, SIM cards, and mobile apps will be provided to pilgrims. A new financial oversight system and third-party monitoring will also be enforced.
Pilgrims must now meet financial eligibility criteria, and only those with Saudi-approved vaccinations will be allowed. Applications will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Government scheme costs will range between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000. A first installment of Rs500,000 must be submitted in early August. Pilgrims can choose a 20- to 25-day travel package.
The ministry clarified that applications will close once the government quota is filled. Priority will be given to those already registered.
The government will also provide full training, emergency support, and transparent complaint handling. The Hajj Nazim scheme will continue, and children under 12 will not be allowed to travel.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing to arrange sea travel for Zaireen visiting Karbala for Arbaeen, as the government addresses related transport restrictions.
For full details on the newly approved pilgrimage guidelines, read the complete Hajj Policy 2026 approved by the federal cabinet.
