ISLAMABAD – The federal cabinet has approved the new Hajj Policy for private Hajj operations covering the years 2027 to 2030. The policy has introduced several reforms to improve transparency, accountability, and service standards for Pakistani pilgrims.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs proposed the Hajj Policy with the aim of improving the management system of private Hajj operators. According to officials, the new framework will replace the previous quota-based approach with a performance and compliance-based system.
Under the revised policy, existing private Hajj companies will undergo a fresh evaluation process. Authorities will assess their performance and compliance before allowing them to continue operations.
The policy states that private Hajj quotas will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Each approved operator will be required to complete bookings for at least 2,000 pilgrims.
Companies that fail to meet the required number of bookings will be classified as inactive. The government will also take action against non-performing operators under the new system.
According to the approved policy, half of the security deposit of inactive companies will be confiscated. Pilgrims affected by such companies will be shifted automatically to other approved operators.
The government will also introduce an independent evaluation and ranking system for all private Hajj companies. Experts will assess operators based on their performance and service delivery.
Private Hajj operators will receive three-year licences under the new regulations. The buying and selling of Hajj quotas will not be permitted. Authorities have also announced strict measures against cartelisation and unfair market practices.
The new Hajj Policy will move private Hajj operations to a fully digital platform. All bookings will be completed through the Private Hajj Management Portal (PHMP).
The portal will be connected with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the State Bank of Pakistan. This integration aims to improve monitoring and prevent irregularities.
The policy has also introduced restrictions on financial transactions. Cash bookings and cash payments will be prohibited under the new system.
Hajj companies will not be allowed to keep pilgrims’ payments. Instead, payments for Saudi services will be transferred directly through official channels. All payments in Saudi Arabia will be processed through a designated State Bank account.
Officials said the reforms will protect pilgrims’ interests and improve service quality. The government believes the updated Hajj Policy will create a more transparent private Hajj system.
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The new framework is also designed to align Pakistan’s private Hajj operations with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. Authorities expect the changes to strengthen accountability and provide better facilities for pilgrims in the coming years.
