Pakistan has officially approved its Hajj Policy for 2026, setting the total number of pilgrims at 179,210. According to Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, around 120,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while about 60,000 will travel through private tour operators.
The minister shared that training sessions for pilgrims are already taking place across the country. These sessions are meant to guide people on Hajj rituals, travel procedures, and safety measures. He also mentioned that nearly 38,000 pilgrims will depart from Islamabad under the “Road to Makkah” project, which allows travelers to complete immigration procedures in Pakistan before leaving for Saudi Arabia, making the journey smoother and more convenient.
In addition to Hajj arrangements, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is working to promote interfaith harmony in the country. The ministry provides scholarships, job quotas, and financial support for minority communities, including funds for the construction and maintenance of their places of worship.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf also spoke about religious challenges in the region, referring to recent incidents in neighboring India. He further announced the introduction of a centralized system to better manage and organize pilgrimages to holy sites in Iran and Iraq, aiming to improve coordination, security, and overall facilities for pilgrims traveling abroad.
