Cabinet approves new Private Hajj Policy for 2027-2030

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved a new Private Hajj Policy for 2027-2030, introducing a fully digital and performance-based system for private pilgrimage operations, said the Ministry for Religious Affairs on Friday. According to the ministry, the policy replaces the traditional quota allocation system with a framework based on compliance with regulations and operational performance. Under the new rules, all existing Hajj operators will undergo fresh scrutiny and be independently ranked by experts. Private Hajj quotas will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Each licensed operator will be required to secure bookings for at least 2, 000 pilgrims. Companies failing to meet the minimum threshold will be declared inactive. Operators found non-compliant will forfeit 50% of their security deposits, while pilgrims registered with such firms will be automatically transferred to other eligible companies through a digital system to avoid disruption in services. Licences for Hajj companies will be issued for a period of three years, and the buying and selling of quotas will be strictly prohibited. The policy also includes strict measures against cartelisation and monopolistic practices in the sector. All private Hajj operations will be conducted through a dedicated digital platform, the Private Hajj Management Portal (PHMP), which will be linked with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Manual bookings and cash transactions will be banned under the new system. Hajj companies will not be allowed to retain pilgrims’ funds, with all payments for services to be made directly to service providers in Saudi Arabia. All financial transactions will be routed through official SBP accounts, the ministry said. The government said the reforms aim to improve transparency, accountability and financial protection for pilgrims, while aligning Pakistan’s private Hajj system with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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