The Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced a new regulation policy for private Hajj schemes, making security clearance mandatory for individuals selecting Hajj packages priced above Rs3 million. This new policy aims to ensure transparency and prevent any misuse of funds in one of Islam’s most significant religious journeys.
Under the updated policy, the names of pilgrims opting for expensive private Hajj packages will be forwarded to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The FBR will then verify the tax history and assets of these pilgrims. In addition, the names will be sent to security agencies to assess any criminal records or relevant concerns. Only after receiving clearance from security agencies will these pilgrims be allowed to proceed with their Hajj arrangements.
Private companies offering Hajj packages costing more than Rs3 million will also be required to submit detailed information about their packages to the Ministry of Religious Affairs for approval. The ministry will scrutinize the pricing and associated expenses to ensure that they comply with the established regulations.
To monitor the implementation of the new policy, the Ministry has appointed Muhammad Hakeem Khattak as the focal person. In line with these changes, the Ministry of Religious Affairs reached an agreement with private Hajj tour operators last week, granting them permission to begin accepting Hajj bookings, with the booking period open until January 31.
For Hajj packages exceeding Rs3 million, however, approval from the Hajj Formulation Committee will be required. This policy aims to streamline the Hajj process and promote transparency while addressing the growing demand for private Hajj services.
The collection of applications for the limited Hajj quota also commenced last week, with applications being processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
In a significant development, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia recently signed a new agreement to enhance the facilities available to Pakistani pilgrims. Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain participated in a four-day International Hajj Conference in Jeddah, where the agreement was finalized. Under this arrangement, 189,210 Pakistanis will perform Hajj this year.
Key features of the agreement include:
- Dedicated spaces for Pakistani pilgrims in Mina at reduced rates to make the journey more affordable.
- A 20-25 day customizable Hajj program, allowing pilgrims flexibility in their schedule.
- Extended stays in Medina, ranging from four to eight days, with options for pilgrims to choose accommodations based on their preferences.
- Specially designed bags featuring the Pakistani flag for each pilgrim, along with a QR-coded identity tag and essential information.
- A dedicated app providing live maps, locations, and essential updates to enhance the overall Hajj experience.
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to improving the Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims while maintaining transparency and ensuring safety.
