Pakistan Plans Major Hajj 2026 Reforms as Saudi Arabia Lifts Mahram Requirement for Women Pilgrims
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has confirmed that Saudi Arabia has officially lifted the Mahram (male guardian) requirement for women pilgrims, enabling them to perform Hajj independently for the first time.:
The announcement was made during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, chaired by Aamir Dogar, which included a detailed review of Hajj 2025 and Pakistan’s roadmap for Hajj 2026.
🕋 Hajj 2025: A Milestone Year for Pakistan
Minister Yousaf described Hajj 2025 as a landmark success, revealing that Pakistan received a prestigious Excellence Award from the Saudi government for the first time.
📜 Policy Alignment and Future Strategy
The committee was informed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all future Hajj operations to be conducted in full compliance with Saudi guidelines. A new Hajj policy is under development, and committee members have been invited to contribute their suggestions.
Chairman Aamir Dogar commended the Ministry’s efforts, calling the arrangements “exemplary” and stressing that Hajj 2026 must uphold or exceed this year’s standards.
📊 Quota Challenges and Registration Surge
Minister Yousaf disclosed that while 67,000 private pilgrims were initially left without approval, a supplementary quota of 10,000 was later granted. Despite this, 63,000 applicants were still unable to proceed with the pilgrimage.
As of now, over 455,000 people have registered interest for Hajj 2026. With the current quota set at 189,000, Pakistan has formally requested an increase to 255,000 pilgrims to accommodate the rising demand.
✈️ Road to Makkah Expansion
The minister highlighted the continued rollout of the Road to Makkah initiative, which provides pre-departure immigration clearance. This service is currently available in Karachi and Islamabad, with plans to expand to Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta next year.
He also noted that Saudi Arabia released its new Hajj policy on 12th Dhul Hijjah, focusing on high-quality services, and Pakistan is adapting its systems accordingly.
💬 Committee Members Respond
Committee member Asiya Tanoli praised the Ministry’s performance, stating:
“Every pilgrim I’ve spoken to described this as one of the best Hajj experiences they’ve ever had.”
Fellow member Shagufta Jumani raised questions about prioritizing pilgrims who were unable to travel this year and asked about refund processes for those who paid in advance. The minister responded that SAR 365 million remains deposited in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims are free to request refunds, though private Hajj operators have recommended retaining funds for future arrangements. He confirmed that those who paid this year will be prioritized for Hajj 2026.
❌ No Foreign Involvement in Pilgrim Transport
In response to rumors about foreign companies—particularly Indian firms—transporting Pakistani pilgrims, the minister categorically denied any involvement of foreign entities, affirming that all operations remain under Pakistani control.
⚓ Future Travel Options & Youth Initiatives
Chairman Dogar proposed holding a future committee session in Saudi Arabia and suggested introducing sea travel as an alternative for Hajj, Umrah, and Ziyarat. The Religious Affairs Ministry confirmed that maritime options are under serious consideration.
Additional proposals included launching youth-focused Hajj programs and exploring pilgrimage subsidies, modeled on practices in India. The Ministry assured that all such initiatives are being evaluated for possible inclusion in the upcoming Hajj 2026 policy.
✅ Conclusion
The meeting ended with unanimous praise for the Ministry’s achievements and a shared commitment to ensure that Hajj 2026 is even more efficient, inclusive, and spiritually fulfilling for all Pakistani pilgrims.
