• Registration, waiting list system introduced; slot can be reserved with 10pc deposit
• Govt to lock in long-term contracts to cut costs; multiple Haj packages planned to suit different budgets; bookings, payments and complaints to go fully digital
• Private firms set to face tighter oversight
ISLAMABAD: Pilgrims will be able to choose the Haj year of their choice under Pakistan’s first four-year Haj Policy for 2027-2030, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf announced on Wednesday, as he introduced a new registration and waiting list system.
This is not only a policy but the beginning of fundamental and lasting reforms in Haj arrangements, the minister said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.
The policy aims to ensure transparent and digital governance, accountability, merit and improved logistical facilities for pilgrims, the minister added.
Under the four-year registration and waiting list system, pilgrims can deposit an estimated 10 per cent of total Haj expenses to select their preferred year. Selection will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis via a transparent digital waiting list.
The government plans to sign three- to four-year contracts for accommodation, transport, catering, air travel and cargo services to improve quality and reduce costs.
Sardar Yousuf said that all stages of the Haj process from registration to grievance redressal and post-Haj review would be carried out through a completely digital system.
The quota distribution between the government and private Haj schemes will remain at 60pc and 40pc, respectively, through 2030, unless revised by the federal cabinet.
Yousuf said the government will gradually transition into a regulatory, monitoring and quality-assurance role rather than directly managing operations, increasing private sector involvement.
The Government Haj Scheme will introduce multiple packages of varying durations to accommodate different needs. Procurement and contract awards in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will strictly follow government procurement rules, Yousuf said.
Any remaining funds from Haj dues collected after operations conclude will be refunded to pilgrims.
To further improve services, an independent third party will impartially review both public and private Haj arrangements. Private Haj companies will be registered and monitored based on performance and service compliance rather than quota allocations alone.
All private Haj companies must use the Private Haj Management Portal to conduct bookings, payments, monitoring and auditing digitally. To ensure financial transparency and security, all Haj payments must pass through government-designated banking channels.
The government is also introducing a modern digital complaint management system, monitoring mechanisms and a formal appeals process to resolve grievances promptly.
Additionally, a Cabinet Committee will establish merit-based criteria to select qualified Haj assistants. Pilgrim training will be expanded to cover Haj rituals, mobile applications, health, emergency management and Saudi laws.
The Haj Protector Scheme will continue, offering financial assistance for deaths, accidents or emergency evacuations during the pilgrimage. An emergency management system and a dedicated response team will also be established.
He said the new Haj policy had been aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and international standards to ensure transparency, digital governance, accountability and the provision of the best possible facilities to pilgrims.
Sardar Muhammad Yousuf expressed special gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying the new Haj policy had been formulated under his guidance and support.
Expressing confidence in the new policy, the minister said the four-year framework would not only facilitate better planning for the coming years but would also strengthen the confidence of millions of pilgrims by bringing Pakistan’s Haj arrangements in line with global standards.
Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2026