The federal government has approved the Hajj Policy 2026, setting Pakistan’s quota at 179,210 pilgrims in line with guidelines issued by Saudi Arabia. Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf shared the details during a podcast interview with Radio Pakistan’s News and Current Affairs Channel.
According to the minister, nearly 120,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while around 60,000 will travel through private operators. Training sessions for intending pilgrims are already underway across the country, with mandatory programs being held in various districts to ensure proper preparation.
Yousaf highlighted that approximately 38,000 pilgrims will depart from Islamabad under the “Road to Makkah” initiative. Currently, this facility is available in Islamabad and Karachi, with plans to extend it to Lahore in the near future.
Beyond Hajj arrangements, the minister underscored the ministry’s role in fostering interfaith harmony. He noted that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights for minority communities, while the government provides scholarships for their children, funds for the rehabilitation of worship places, and financial assistance for those in need. Minority groups also benefit from job quotas and parliamentary representation.
In a regional context, Yousaf pointed to challenges faced by religious communities in India, citing incidents of vandalism during Christmas celebrations last December.
He further announced that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced a centralised system to streamline pilgrimages of Zaireen to holy sites in Iran and Iraq, ensuring better organisation and facilitation.
