Cabinet Approves Digital Private Hajj Policy 2027-30

The federal cabinet has approved a major restructuring of Pakistan’s private Hajj system for 2027 to 2030, introducing a digital, performance-based and tightly regulated framework for private pilgrimage operators. The decision, announced in Islamabad on Saturday, marks one of the most significant reforms to the country’s private Hajj management structure in recent years.

Under the revised policy, the government is moving away from the older quota-based approach and replacing it with a model built around compliance, performance and operational capacity. Existing private Hajj operators will no longer retain eligibility automatically and will instead undergo a fresh evaluation before they can continue handling pilgrims.

The new rules require each approved operator to secure bookings for at least 2,000 pilgrims. Companies that fail to meet the threshold will be declared inactive, while weaker performers could face suspension of part of their security deposits. Pilgrims booked with such companies will be shifted to other eligible operators to prevent disruption in travel arrangements.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the reforms are intended to strengthen transparency, protect pilgrims’ money and improve service standards. Officials said private Hajj companies will be assessed and ranked by independent experts, while licences will be issued for three years to ensure periodic review rather than indefinite continuation.

A central feature of the policy is the complete digitisation of private Hajj operations. Bookings will be processed only through the Private Hajj Management Portal, which will be linked with NADRA and the State Bank of Pakistan. Manual booking and cash-based transactions have been barred under the new framework.

The policy also restricts operators from holding pilgrims’ funds directly. Payments to Saudi service providers will be routed through official banking channels, while Hajj-related payments in Saudi Arabia will be handled through the State Bank’s authorised mechanism. Authorities say this step is designed to reduce misuse of funds and create a verifiable payment trail.

The overhaul comes after repeated concerns over private Hajj management, including complaints about service quality, delayed arrangements, unclear payments and weak accountability. The government’s decision reflects growing pressure to modernise the system at a time when Saudi Arabia is also pushing technology-driven reforms under its Vision 2030 programme.

For Pakistani pilgrims, the policy could significantly change how private Hajj packages are booked and monitored. A digital portal, official payment routes and operator rankings may help families compare services more safely, while also reducing the risk of fraud, overcharging and last-minute uncertainty before departure.

The impact will also be felt across the private Hajj industry, where smaller or underperforming operators may struggle to meet the new compliance requirements. Larger companies with stronger systems, financial capacity and documented performance are likely to benefit, while the ban on quota trading and cartel practices could reshape competition in the sector.

The next phase will depend on how quickly the Ministry of Religious Affairs implements the evaluation process, activates the digital portal and communicates the rules to operators and intending pilgrims. If enforced consistently, the new policy could make Pakistan’s private Hajj system more transparent, accountable and aligned with modern pilgrimage management standards.