PM reviews Hajj preparations, stresses quality services for pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the authorities to complete preparations for Hajj 2027 on schedule and ensure that pilgrims are provided with adequate facilities throughout the pilgrimage.

The prime minister issued the directives while talking to Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who briefed him on preparations for next year’s Hajj and the implementation of the government’s new four-year Hajj policy.

Under the policy, approved last month, pilgrims will be able to register for Hajj seasons from 2027 to 2030 without having to repeat the registration process each year. The longer-term framework is aimed at improving planning, oversight and services for pilgrims.

The Hajj application and payment process has also been moved online. Payments under the government’s Hajj 2027 scheme began on Monday, with pilgrims required to pay Rs1.2 million for a 40-day package and Rs1.3m for a shorter package of 20 to 25 days.

Pakistan has allocated 107,526 places under the government scheme, while around 400,000 people who pre-registered are eligible to apply on a first-come, first-served basis. Another 71,684 places have been allocated to private Hajj operators.

The government has reserved 30,000 places for the shorter package and will stop accepting payments in either category once the relevant quota is filled.

Mandatory registration for prospective pilgrims began in June, ahead of the cabinet’s approval of the four-year policy the following month.

As part of the reforms, authorities have digitised much of the Hajj process. Applications and payments can be submitted through the Pak Hajj mobile application and online portal, while complaints and monitoring are also being digitised.

The policy further provides for third-party verification of government and private Hajj operations, with the aim of strengthening oversight and improving services for pilgrims.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026