Islamabad:
With only one week left to complete Hajj bookings, the process of 20,000 intended to pilgrims under the private Hajj scheme is still pending.
The Federal Minister of Religious Affairs and Interreligious Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday chaired a review meeting with representatives of dependent Hajj companies (DHCS) and Central and Zonal Leadership of Hajj organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) to assess progress with the private Hajj scheme.
During the meeting, it was revealed that bookings for 40,000 pilgrims have been completed so far under the private scheme against the awarded quota of 60,000.
The Minister emphasized that the registration process for private Hajj Pilgrims, in accordance with the federal cabinet – approved Hajj policy 2026 must be completed by October 17.
The Minister instructed all DHCs to ensure the end of the remaining 20,000 pilgrimage books within the next seven days.
He also instructed the companies to launch an awareness campaign to encourage timely registration and ensure that no quota remains unused.
The Minister confirmed the government’s obligation to facilitate anyone who intends pilgrims through effective coordination between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interreligious Harmony and Private Hajj operators.
Hajj policy 2026 focuses on increased digitization, improved service delivery and a major government quota for pilgrims. Key changes include an electronic monitoring system, a mobile app and a shift in quota distribution to the favorite government scheme. For the government scheme, registration applications were accepted in August 2025 with packages estimated between RS1.150,000 and RS1.250,000.
