ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The federal cabinet has officially approved Pakistan’s new Hajj Policy for 2026, significantly increasing the government’s share in managing the pilgrimage.
Under the new policy, 70 percent of the Hajj quota will now be handled by the government, while the remaining 30% will be allocated to private tour operators. This is a major shift from the proposal originally submitted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which suggested a 40% government and 60% private split.
Sources reveal that the cost of Hajj under the government scheme in 2026 is expected to range between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took personal interest in revising the quota, prioritising affordability and broader access for the public.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf is expected to formally announce the complete Hajj policy in a press conference shortly.
During the Wednesday's session, the federal capital also approved the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025, and a decision was made to appoint an anti-narcotics inspector for the Drug Regulatory Authority.
The cabinet also endorsed the decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation.
Moreover, it ratified the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Business on July 17 and 25.