Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said on January 14, 2026 that Pakistan is in active contact with the Saudi government to raise the Hajj quota to 230,000 on a population basis. Speaking at a Hajj training workshop at the Hajj Complex in Islamabad, he expressed confidence that increases granted to other countries would be matched by a significant rise in Pakistan’s quota.
The minister said the government is implementing reforms in the private Hajj scheme under the prime minister’s directives and the federal cabinet–approved Hajj Policy 2026, and that all arrangements are being completed in line with the Saudi timeline. He noted that Pakistan’s Hajj package remains cost‑competitive and of good quality compared with neighbouring countries.
As part of efforts to streamline pilgrim movement, the Route to Mecca project will extend dual immigration to include Lahore alongside Islamabad and Karachi, allowing pre‑departure immigration in Pakistan. More than 38,000 pilgrims will use Islamabad Airport this year to complete immigration through the Route to Mecca system, and many pilgrims from Peshawar are also preferring travel via Islamabad.
The minister highlighted operational improvements, saying 120,000 pilgrims under the government scheme were allowed two‑installment payments, a measure that received public trust. Reforms in the private sector are underway to ensure affordable, quality packages for privately arranged pilgrims as well.
Complaints after Hajj 2025 fell by around 75 percent, he said, adding that Pakistan received an Excellence Award from Saudi authorities for its arrangements and now aims to rank among the top three countries for Hajj services. He announced that the official Hajj staff designation will revert from Muawinun Hajj to Khuddam al‑Hujjaj to reflect the tradition practised by the Saudi leadership.
Equal accommodation has been secured for government pilgrims in Al Aziziyah and Makkah al‑Quraish, he said, and the second phase of training will begin after Ramadan to brief pilgrims on vaccinations, services and other requirements. The ministry has prepared a 22‑point guidance for pilgrims to ease the performance of rites.
Addressing conduct during rites, the minister urged pilgrims to observe the rules at the Two Holy Mosques, focus on prescribed worship, and avoid distractions such as taking photos or videos on mobile phones during tawaf or while visiting the Prophet’s chamber. He advised against causing discomfort to others when kissing the Black Stone and recommended the sunnah of offering a distant greeting.
Senior officials present at the workshop included Federal Secretary Dr Sajid Mahmood Chohan, Joint Secretary and Chief Training Coordinator Ahmad Nazir Khan, and Director Hajj Qazi Sami ur Rehman.
