Pakistan’s four-year Haj Policy aims to modernize and streamline pilgrimage procedures, ensuring transparency, accountability, and improved logistical facilities for pilgrims. The policy introduces a new registration and waiting list system, allowing pilgrims to choose their preferred year with an estimated 10% deposit.
The government plans to sign contracts with private firms for accommodation, transport, catering, air travel, and cargo services, reducing costs while maintaining quality. A digital waiting list will be used to select pilgrims on a first-come, first-served basis, eliminating the need for physical queues.
To ensure efficient operations, the government has introduced a regulatory monitoring role, gradually transitioning from direct management to a more hands-off approach. Procurement and contract awards in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are subject to strict government procurement rules.
The Government Haj Scheme will offer multiple packages of varying durations to accommodate different needs, with procurement and contract awards following government-designed procurement rules. Private firms must register on the Private Haj Management Portal for bookings, payments, monitoring, and auditing digitally.
A modern digital complaint management system has been introduced to ensure financial transparency and security, while a Cabinet Committee will establish merit-based criteria to select qualified Haj assistants. Pilgrim training will cover essential topics such as Haj rituals, mobile applications, health, emergency management, and Saudi laws.
The Haj Protector Scheme continues to offer financial assistance for deaths, accidents or emergency evacuations during the pilgrimage, with an emergency management system and dedicated response team established. The policy has been aligned with international standards, ensuring transparency, digital governance, accountability, and provision of best possible facilities to pilgrims.
Under this new four-year framework, Pakistan aims to strengthen its Haj arrangements in line with global standards, facilitating better planning for the coming years while strengthening confidence among millions of pilgrims.
Based on reporting from Dawn.
