Pakistan Approves Hajj Policy 2026, Quota Set for 179,210 Pilgrims
Pakistan’s government has approved the Hajj Policy for 2026. Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced this news. The policy follows new guidelines from Saudi Arabia. Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for next year is 179,210 pilgrims. Approximately
120,000 people will perform Hajj under the government scheme. Furthermore, 60,000 pilgrims will travel through private tour operators. Training for these pilgrims is currently underway across the nation. These mandatory sessions are happening in various districts. This preparation ensures all pilgrims are well-informed before their journey. About 38,000 pilgrims will use the “Road to Makkah” project from Islamabad. This excellent facility expedites immigration procedures in Pakistan. Currently, it operates in Islamabad and Karachi. However, authorities are actively working to extend this service to Lahore soon.
Training and ‘Road to Makkah’ Project
The Minister highlighted his ministry’s role in promoting interfaith harmony. It provides a crucial platform for all religious minorities in Pakistan. The Constitution firmly guarantees equal rights for these communities. Therefore, the government offers special scholarships to minority children. It also allocates specific funds for restoring worship places. In addition, separate job quotas and parliamentary representation benefit these groups. The government also provides direct financial assistance to deserving individuals. The minister contrasted this support with hardships in neighboring India. He specifically mentioned recent incidents during Christmas celebrations there. Finally, the ministry introduced a new centralised system for other pilgrimages. This efficient system will organise journeys to holy sites in Iran and Iraq. It aims to better serve the Zaireen traveling from Pakistan.
