The federal government on Wednesday announced that the registration of approximately 179,000 pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj 2026 has been completed. The expansion of the ‘Pak Hajj App’ and the ‘Road to Makkah’ project up to Karachi has significantly eased difficulties for pilgrims.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, along with Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs Dr Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, revealed this while addressing a press conference.
Responding to questions, the Federal Minister stated that during Hajj 2025, a total of Rs 3.5 billion was refunded to facilitate pilgrims, resulting in individual savings of Rs 12,000 to 110,000 per pilgrim.
He further noted that last year, 60,000 pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj under the private Hajj scheme, prompting the Prime Minister to order an inquiry.
As a result, the private Hajj quota has been reduced this year, and private operators have been instructed to prioritise pilgrims affected last year who have not yet received refunds.
Regarding female pilgrims, the Minister confirmed that women confident in performing Hajj or Umrah without a mahram guardian can now travel in separate groups, with a mandatory certificate issued for those travelling alone.
Full refunds will also be provided for pilgrims unable to perform Hajj due to medical reasons or under the hardship quota. He clarified that no member of the Assembly or standing committee receives free Hajj or Umrah, and all attendees bear their own expenses.
Highlighting the ministry’s achievements in education and research, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf stated that Pakistan hosted its first international Qira’at competition, with participation from 37 countries. Additionally, the 50th World Seerat Conference was successfully held with international delegations under the OIC.
The Ministry has also initiated the digitisation of Seerat research papers from the past 50 years, introduced an AI-based plagiarism detection system for academic competitions, and is finalising the installation of a recycling plant for the dignified disposal of damaged Quranic pages, ensuring error-free printing of the Holy Quran. Answering another question, Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said that last year, 60,000 pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj under the private Hajj scheme, prompting the Prime Minister to order inquiries.
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