ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved a new Hajj Policy and Plan for 2027–2030, introducing multi-year Hajj registration, a digital management system and new pilgrimage options aimed at improving long-term planning and services for intending pilgrims.
The policy, approved during a federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, marks Pakistan’s first multi-year Hajj framework, replacing the previous practice of approving the policy annually. Officials said the new approach is designed to improve operational planning, enhance services for pilgrims and align Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements more closely with Saudi Arabia’s evolving regulations.
Under the new policy, Pakistanis intending to perform Hajj will be able to register once and remain eligible for pilgrimage during any Hajj season up to 2030, instead of submitting a fresh registration every year. The government said the system will also enable authorities to prepare a priority waiting list for applicants.
The cabinet was informed that the policy would be supported by standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other regulations, with amendments to be made when necessary to ensure compliance with Saudi Hajj laws and requirements.
Digital Hajj system to be introduced
The government also approved the digitalization of Pakistan’s Hajj management system.
Officials said Hajj payments, complaint handling and monitoring mechanisms will gradually shift to digital platforms to improve transparency, efficiency and service delivery.
The policy also introduces long-duration and short-duration Hajj packages, while retaining separate quotas for the government and private Hajj schemes.
In addition, a Shariah-compliant Hajj savings scheme will be introduced, allowing prospective pilgrims to save gradually for future Hajj expenses.
Training for pilgrims, Takaful coverage and emergency response arrangements have also been included as key components of the new policy.
Merit-based appointment of Hajj assistants
The federal cabinet directed that Hajj assistants should be appointed through a transparent and merit-based process.
It also instructed the relevant authorities to ensure independent third-party validation of both government and private Hajj operations to improve accountability and service standards.
Cabinet approves healthcare outsourcing policy
During the same meeting, the cabinet approved a policy allowing the outsourcing of services at the Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre (IHITC) and the Regional Blood Centre (RBC) in Islamabad.
The Ministry of National Health Services will oversee the outsourcing process in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, with the aim of improving healthcare services.
Pakistan Railways reports higher revenue
The cabinet also received a briefing from Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi on the performance of Pakistan Railways.
According to the briefing, Pakistan Railways’ revenue increased from Rs95 billion in FY2024-25 to more than Rs115 billion in FY2025-26, representing growth of 24.19%.
Officials said freight revenue increased by more than Rs8 billion, while other revenue grew by over Rs7 billion. Income from railway property and land rose by more than Rs6 billion, while passenger revenue also recorded growth.
The cabinet was informed that improvements in railway operations and freight cargo services contributed to the higher earnings.
Cabinet members appreciated the performance of the Ministry of Railways and also ratified decisions taken during the meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases on May 19, 2026, and the Economic Coordination Committee on July 2, 2026.
Also Read: Hajj 2027 Online Registration System Sees Strong Public Response as Over 2 Lakh Applicants Register
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