The federal cabinet, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, has approved Pakistan’s Hajj Policy for 2026. As part of the new policy, the cost of performing Hajj under the government scheme will range between Rs11.5 lakh and Rs12.5 lacs. This decision comes as part of broader efforts to make the pilgrimage more accessible to the […]
Hajj
65,000 Pakistanis miss hajj due to delays, private operators demand action
LAHORE, May 28, 2025 — Over 65,000 Pakistani pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj this year due to bureaucratic delays and policy mismanagement, according to the Hajj Operators Association of Pakistan and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). At a joint press conference, senior representatives from both organizations expressed deep concern over the […]
Saudi Arabia grants extra hajj quota to Pakistan, boosting pilgrim count
Saudi Arabia has approved an extra Hajj quota for Pakistan, allowing 10,000 more pilgrims this year. The decision came after Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar requested special permission during a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan. In a social media post, Dar thanked Prince Faisal for the support, calling it a step […]
Saudi Arabia allows 10,000 more Pakistani pilgrims for Hajj
Pakistani pilgrims received exciting news as Saudi Arabia approved an additional 10,000 Hajj spots for them. This decision followed a special request from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar. He sought to increase the Hajj quota on behalf of Pakistani citizens. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supported the efforts of Ishaq Dar, highlighting […]
Despite rising prices, millions of pilgrims travel to Makkah for Hajj
Minimum cost for Hajj soars to $7,000 this year. Massive crowds likely to break attendance records. Chance to “see Kaaba” worth spending everything. MAKKAH: Over 2.5 million Muslims are anticipated to go to Makkah, one of Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia, to make the Hajj pilgrimage, which is projected to be the largest in […]
‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia
“This year, we will witness the largest Hajj pilgrimage in history,” says official. 1.6 million foreigners have already arrived in the kingdom by late Friday. “This year not a single vacant bed in our group of 67 hotels,” says a businessman. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the globe walked solemn circles around the […]
FIFA WC ticket holders will eligible for free visa for Umrah
According to a Saudi Arabia announcement, FIFA World Cup 2022 ticket holders will be eligible for a free visa to perform Umrah. According to authorities, the visa for Hayya cardholders is free, with the state covering all e-visa costs. But it is mandatory to get medical insurance from the visa platform, the Saudi Gazette reported, […]
Women allowed to perform Hajj, Umrah without mehram
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia said that women across the world can now perform Hajj and Umrah without a mehram (blood relative) or a male guardian. The announcement was made by the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah during a press conference, ending decades-long rule by the Kingdom, Arab News reported. The Hajj Minister said that people with […]
1,160 Pakistani expats serving as Hajj volunteers in Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: As many as 1,160 Pakistani expatriates living in Saudi Arabia joined the Hajj mission as volunteers this year to serve pilgrims arriving from their homeland. After two years of Coronavirus restrictions, Saudi Arabia has allowed up to one million Muslims, both from within the kingdom and countries around the world to perform Hajj, Abrar […]
Saudi Arabia launches ‘Smart Pilgrim’ app
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is launching the Smart Pilgrim app this year to further utilize technology in its services. The app allows pilgrims to communicate with their service providers and report any violations to the ministry, which has pledged to handle the remarks and complaints without delay or leniency towards any […]