Islamabad: MNN
The Federal Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has approved Pakistan’s first-ever four-year Hajj Policy and Plan for 2027–2030, introducing comprehensive reforms aimed at modernizing Hajj management, improving transparency, and enhancing services for pilgrims through a fully digital system.
The cabinet received a detailed briefing from Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who informed members that unlike previous annual policies, the new framework provides long-term planning for four years. The policy is designed to improve operational efficiency, strengthen administrative planning, and ensure better facilities for Pakistani pilgrims. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and implementation regulations will be developed, while necessary amendments will be made whenever required to remain aligned with Saudi regulations.
The cabinet was informed that intending pilgrims will no longer need to register every year. Instead, they will be able to register once for any Hajj season up to 2030. A priority waiting list will also be maintained to streamline the selection process.
A Shariah-compliant Hajj Savings Scheme will also be introduced, allowing citizens to save gradually for future pilgrimage expenses.
One of the key reforms is the complete digitalization of the Hajj management system. Registration, payments, complaint handling, monitoring, and operational oversight will all be managed through digital platforms to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
The policy also defines government and private Hajj quotas, introduces long and short Hajj packages, mandatory pilgrim training, Takaful coverage, and emergency response mechanisms to ensure better support for pilgrims throughout the journey.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that Hajj assistants must be appointed strictly on merit through a transparent process and instructed authorities to ensure independent third-party validation of both public and private Hajj operations.
The cabinet also approved the outsourcing policy for Islamabad’s Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre (IHITC) and the Regional Blood Centre (RBC), aiming to improve healthcare delivery under established rules and regulations.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi also briefed the cabinet on Pakistan Railways’ performance. He informed the meeting that railway revenue exceeded Rs115 billion during FY2025-26, reflecting a 24.19 percent increase over the previous financial year. Significant growth was recorded in freight operations, property and land revenue, other commercial income, and passenger earnings, while operational improvements also strengthened cargo movement across the country.
The Federal Cabinet appreciated the performance of Pakistan Railways and commended Minister Hanif Abbasi and his team for achieving significant operational and financial improvements.
The cabinet also ratified the decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) on 19 May 2026 and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on 2 July 2026
