PM Shehbaz Approves Digital Hajj Policy 2026 with Major Reforms

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the federal cabinet on Wednesday, where he officially approved the Hajj Policy for the year 2026. During the meeting, he made it clear that the entire Hajj process will be fully digitalized starting from 2026. This major step aims to improve transparency, increase efficiency, and provide world-class services to all Pakistani pilgrims.

The prime minister stressed the importance of giving top-quality facilities to pilgrims and said that there would be no compromise in this regard. “It is our primary responsibility to ensure that every pilgrim receives comfort, timely help, and a smooth experience during Hajj,” he stated. He also emphasized the need for proper planning and modern systems to avoid delays and problems faced in the past.

According to the new Hajj policy, 70% of the total Hajj quota will be managed by the government, while the remaining 30% will be handled by private Hajj operators. However, private companies that failed to properly serve pilgrims in the previous year will now be required to make up for it. These companies must accommodate the affected pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season.

To make the Hajj process more reliable, the federal cabinet also approved several new measures. One of the major steps is third-party validation, which means an independent organization will check and verify all Hajj operations. There will also be real-time monitoring of payments and application processes, especially those managed by private tour operators.

Every private company must now take at least 2,000 pilgrims, ensuring that only serious and capable operators are allowed. Additionally, 1,000 seats have been reserved for hardship cases—these are for people who face special challenges or urgent needs and could not perform Hajj otherwise.

To support digitalization, several advanced tools will be introduced. These include the Pak Hajj mobile app, digital wristbands, and special mobile SIMs for pilgrims. These tools will help in tracking pilgrims, providing timely updates, and delivering emergency support if needed. Accommodation and food services will also be improved for better comfort and hygiene.

The government will also ensure a fair and transparent selection of Hajj assistants, who help and guide pilgrims throughout the journey. These assistants will now be selected through a competitive test, making sure only qualified and capable people are chosen. There will also be a proper system for emergency compensation, in case a pilgrim faces an accident or any other serious issue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Ministry of Information Technology to work closely with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to make sure that the digital transformation of the Hajj process is smooth and successful. This collaboration will help develop better software, apps, and support systems for all pilgrims.

With this new policy, the government hopes to make Hajj 2026 more organized, safe, and comfortable for everyone.

READ MORE: Hajj 2026: Pakistan to Begin Expense Collection in August