Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the new Hajj Policy for 2026, bringing major changes to how Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj. The biggest update is that the entire Hajj operation will become digital starting in 2026. The goal is to make things easy, clear, and smooth for all pilgrims.
During a federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the prime minister said that pilgrims must get the best services. He stressed that there will be no compromise in providing top-quality facilities for Hajj travelers. “It is our main job to give every pilgrim comfort, support, and full transparency,” he said. CNN World
According to the new policy, 70% of the Hajj quota will be handled by the government, while 30% will go to private operators. However, private companies that failed to serve pilgrims well last year must now accommodate those affected in 2026.
The policy also introduces many new tools and checks to improve the system. This includes:
- Third-party checks for all Hajj operations.
- Live monitoring of payments and applications by private companies.
- A minimum limit of 2,000 pilgrims per private Hajj company.
- 1,000 seats for hardship cases, like emergencies or special needs.
To help pilgrims, the government will also provide:
- The Pak Hajj mobile app for updates and help.
- Digital wristbands for tracking and safety.
- Special SIM cards for easy communication during Hajj.
To make sure only the best assistants are chosen, there will be testing and clear rules. There will also be emergency compensation plans, and the quality of food and lodging will be upgraded.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also told the Ministry of Information Technology to work with the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Their job is to make the full digital system ready so that the entire Hajj process is smooth and modern by 2026. Hajj Policy 2026
This move is expected to change the Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims by giving them better, faster, and safer services. It also shows the government’s strong commitment to using technology to make life easier for the people. Wikipedia