Shehbaz Sharif Approves Digitized Hajj Policy—Pilgrims to Get Better Services
Islamabad — July 31, 2025
In a significant move aimed at modernizing and streamlining the Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday approved the Hajj Policy 2026, announcing a complete digitization of all Hajj operations starting from 2026.
Chairing a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering world-class, transparent, and efficient services to pilgrims. “No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to the comfort and support of our pilgrims. Transparency and timely assistance are our top priorities,” he stated.
Key Features of the New Hajj Policy:
Under the newly approved policy:
- 70% quota has been allocated to the government and 30% to private Hajj operators.
- Private operators who failed to fulfill their obligations in the previous year will now be required to accommodate those affected in the 2026 pilgrimage.
- Third-party validation will be introduced for all Hajj-related services to ensure accountability.
- Real-time monitoring of payments and the application process under private operators will be implemented.
- A mandatory minimum of 2,000 pilgrims per private company has been set to streamline operations.
- 1,000 seats will be reserved for hardship cases.
- Enhanced digital tools, including the Pak Hajj mobile app, digital wristbands, and dedicated mobile SIMs, will be introduced to improve tracking and service delivery.
In addition, the selection of Hajj assistants will now be carried out through a transparent and competitive testing system, while emergency compensation mechanisms, improved lodging, and better food arrangements are also part of the reform package.
To ensure the successful implementation of this digital transformation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Ministry of Information Technology to work closely with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
These sweeping reforms aim to modernize Pakistan’s Hajj management system, offering a seamless and dignified experience for thousands of pilgrims in the years to come.
