Pakistan govt to prioritize over 60,000 unaccommodated pilgrims for Hajj 2026

Islamabad: The government has decided to give priority to more than 60,000 pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj this year under the private scheme.

According to details, a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held under the chairmanship of Malik Amir Dogar, with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf and other officials in attendance.

During the session, Chairman Dogar directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to resolve the issue of 67,000 private pilgrims who were left out, ensure their Hajj dues are refunded, and accommodate them in Hajj 2026.

Minister Sardar Yousaf informed the committee that 63,000 pilgrims under the private Hajj scheme were unable to travel, and around 365 million Saudi Riyals related to their packages remain in Saudi Arabia.

He added that the association of private Hajj tour operators has requested these individuals be given priority next year.

Sardar Yousaf further revealed that over 455,000 people have already registered for Hajj 2026, and the Prime Minister has instructed that those who missed this year's Hajj should be prioritized.

He also stated that once the report by the PM-appointed inquiry committee is finalized, it will be shared with the standing committee.

Read more: Hajj 2026 registration deadline extended by July 11

The committee has also called for a comparative briefing on Hajj expenses in neighboring countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Iran.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs shared that efforts are underway to explore the option of facilitating Hajj travel by sea to reduce overall costs.

They noted that both the Interior Minister and Secretary for Religious Affairs are currently in Tehran discussing this proposal.

One suggestion also under consideration is to avoid renting luxury accommodations in Makkah and Madinah to make the pilgrimage more affordable.