Islamabad: The Federal Cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy and Plan 2027-2030. The cabinet, which met in Islamabad on Tuesday with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, was given a detailed briefing on the Hajj policy.
It was informed that, unlike the previous one-year Hajj policies, the new Hajj policy comprises Pakistan’s first four-year Hajj policy and plan. Under this policy, long-term planning, improved operations, and the provision of better facilities to pilgrims will be ensured. Standard Operating Procedures and other regulations will be formulated for the implementation of the proposed policy. Amendments may be made to the policy whenever required to keep it aligned with Saudi laws and regulations.
The cabinet was further told that, under the policy, intending pilgrims will be able to register continuously for Hajj in any year up to 2030, instead of registering annually. As a result, a priority waiting list will be prepared. In addition, a Shariah-compliant savings scheme is being introduced, enabling the intending pilgrims to benefit from a savings plan for performing Hajj in the future.
The meeting was also apprised that the entire Hajj management system is being digitized, including digital payment mechanisms. A digital complaint management system and digital monitoring will also be introduced.
Under the policy, separate quotas have been allocated for the government and private Hajj schemes. The policy also introduces long and short-duration Hajj programmes, while mandatory training for pilgrims, Takaful arrangements, and emergency response mechanisms have also been made part of it.
The cabinet directed that Hajj Muavineen should be appointed through a transparent system and strictly on merit. It further directed that third-party validation of both government and private Hajj operations should be ensured.
The Federal Cabinet also appreciated Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and his ministry’s team for the excellent Hajj arrangements this year.
Besides, the cabinet approved the policy for outsourcing the services of the Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre and the Regional Blood Centre in Islamabad to ensure the provision of quality healthcare facilities to citizens. Following the decision, the Ministry of National Health Services will undertake the outsourcing of these institutions in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.
The Federal Cabinet was also briefed on the performance of Pakistan Railways. It was said that Pakistan Railways’ revenue increased from 95 billion rupees in 2024-25 to over 115 billion rupees in the last fiscal year, registering an increase of 24.19 percent.
Freight revenue increased by more than eight billion rupees, other revenue by over seven billion rupees, property and land revenue by over six billion rupees, while revenue from passenger services increased by 3.37 percent.
The meeting was further informed that, along with improvements in railway operations, significant progress has also been made in the transportation of freight cargo.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country, as the country’s security forces were working tirelessly and the day was not far when the menace would be completely eliminated.
Addressing the federal cabinet at the start of its meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was martyred a few days ago in Islamabad while intervening to stop an assault on a woman. He prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
The prime minister said the accused had been arrested and would be brought to justice in accordance with the law. He also lauded the sacrifices of the country’s security forces in the fight against terrorism, referring to the recent killing of 15 terrorists in Balochistan. He said the armed forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing operations day and night to restore lasting peace across the country.
The cabinet offered Fateha for the martyrs on the prime minister’s request.
Highlighting his recent foreign engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to his visit to Trkiye, where he attended a comprehensive business conference featuring presentations on the privatization of Pakistan’s power distribution companies, renewable energy, transmission losses, and investment opportunities in the mines and minerals sector.
He said a large number of Turkish investors and business leaders attended the conference and expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s economic potential. The prime minister said extensive preparations by both sides had helped present Pakistan’s investment prospects effectively, including opportunities in the maritime sector and other key areas.
He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, adding that productive discussions were held with Turkish leadership on expanding collaboration in multiple sectors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said both countries remained committed to deepening their longstanding brotherly ties. He expressed optimism that Pakistan-Trkiye relations would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead through enhanced trade, investment and strategic cooperation.