Cabinet unveils four-year Haj Policy, backs digital overhaul and pilgrim reforms

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Monday approved Pakistan's first comprehensive four-year Haj Policy (2027–2030), introducing long-term planning, digital reforms and enhanced facilities for pilgrims while also reviewing economic performance, national security and recent diplomatic engagements.

Chairing the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and his team for the successful arrangements made for this year's Haj, describing them as exemplary.

A detailed briefing informed the cabinet that, unlike previous annual policies, the new framework would remain in force until 2030, enabling better planning, improved operational efficiency and enhanced services for intending pilgrims.

Under the policy, pilgrims will no longer be required to register every year. Instead, they will be able to register at any time for Haj up to 2030, allowing authorities to maintain a priority waiting list. A Shariah-compliant Haj savings scheme will also be introduced to help citizens save gradually for the pilgrimage.

The cabinet was informed that Haj operations would be fully digitised, including payment systems, complaints management and monitoring mechanisms. Separate quotas have also been earmarked for government and private Haj schemes as well as for long- and short-duration packages. Mandatory pilgrim training, Takaful (Islamic insurance) and emergency response services have also been incorporated into the policy.

The cabinet directed that Haj assistants be appointed strictly on merit through a transparent process and ordered third-party validation of both government and private Haj operators. It also approved the formulation of standard operating procedures and regulatory mechanisms, which may be updated periodically to comply with Saudi regulations.

The cabinet also approved the outsourcing policy for Islamabad's Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre (IHITC) and the Regional Blood Centre (RBC), directing the Ministry of National Health Services to complete the process in accordance with relevant rules to improve healthcare services.

During the meeting, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi briefed the cabinet on Pakistan Railways' performance, reporting that total revenue had increased from Rs95 billion in FY2024-25 to over Rs115 billion in FY2025-26 — a growth of more than 24 per cent.

Freight revenue rose by over Rs8 billion, property and land earnings increased by more than Rs6 billion, while other revenues registered an increase exceeding Rs7 billion. Passenger revenue also recorded a 3.37 per cent rise. The cabinet appreciated the railways ministry for improving freight operations and overall efficiency.

The cabinet also ratified decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) during their recent meetings.

Addressing the cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the government's resolve to eliminate terrorism, saying security forces were conducting relentless operations and expressing confidence that the threat would soon be defeated.

He paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom while trying to protect a woman from assault in Islamabad, and offered condolences to his family. The prime minister said the suspect had been arrested and would face the full force of the law.

The premier also praised the sacrifices of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, referring to the recent elimination of 15 terrorists in Balochistan, and invited the cabinet to offer prayers for all those who had laid down their lives in defence of the country.

Highlighting his recent visit to Turkiye, the prime minister said a major business conference showcased Pakistan's investment opportunities, including the privatisation of power distribution companies, renewable energy, mining and minerals, maritime development and measures to improve the energy sector.

He said Turkish investors and business leaders had shown strong interest in Pakistan's economic potential, expressing confidence that the visit would open new avenues for trade, investment and strategic cooperation.

PM Shehbaz also thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his continued support, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening the longstanding brotherly relationship between the two countries.