Ministry Shares Update About Private Hajj Scheme 2026
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced the completion of bookings under the government’s Hajj scheme while confirming that preparations for the Private Hajj Scheme 2026 will begin shortly. This announcement is particularly important for thousands of Pakistanis who prefer traveling through private operators due to flexibility in services, accommodations, and packages.
Government Hajj Scheme Bookings Completed
According to ministry officials, all quotas under the government-managed Hajj scheme have now been filled. Attention is shifting toward private operators, who are expected to begin their operations in the coming days after completing mandatory formalities.
Requirements for Private Hajj Operators
To ensure transparency and smooth operations, the ministry has outlined strict requirements for private Hajj operators:
- Service Provider Agreement: Operators must sign an agreement with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
- SECP Certification: A valid certificate from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is mandatory.
- Fund Confirmation: Proof of funds transferred to Saudi Arabia must be submitted.
Only after fulfilling these conditions will the ministry issue confirmation letters to operators, enabling them to start bookings under the Private Hajj Scheme.
Approved List of Hajj Operators
To safeguard pilgrims, the ministry will publish an official list of approved Hajj operators on its website. Prospective pilgrims have been urged to verify operators from this list before making any bookings to avoid fraud and unauthorized schemes.
Hajj Policy 2026: Quota and Costs
The government had earlier approved the Hajj Policy 2026, which provides clear details about the quota, costs, and procedures:
- Total Quota: 179,210 pilgrims
- Government Scheme: 119,000 pilgrims
- Private Hajj Scheme: 60,000 pilgrims
- Estimated Cost: Rs. 1.15 – Rs. 1.25 million
- Payment Flexibility: Pilgrims can pay in two installments
This cost range reflects improved service packages and efforts to keep expenses reasonable despite rising global travel costs.
Monitoring and Transparency Measures
For the first time, the ministry has introduced a third-party monitoring system. This oversight mechanism will cover both government and private operators, ensuring that pilgrims receive promised facilities such as accommodation, transport, meals, and guidance in Saudi Arabia.
This initiative aims to:
- Protect pilgrims from fraudulent operators.
- Guarantee accountability for service quality.
- Build trust in the Private Hajj Scheme process.
Why Pilgrims Choose the Private Hajj Scheme
The Private Hajj Scheme remains a popular choice for many Pakistanis due to its:
- Flexible Packages – ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options.
- Customizable Services – including direct flights, private accommodation, and personalized guidance.
- Smaller Group Sizes – offering convenience and reduced waiting times compared to the government scheme.
However, the ministry continues to emphasize that pilgrims must book only with approved operators to ensure a safe and smooth Hajj journey.
Next Steps for Pilgrims
For those planning to perform Hajj in 2026 under the private scheme, here’s what you should do:
- Check the Ministry’s Approved List before booking.
- Compare Packages offered by different authorized operators.
- Keep Payment Records and only use official channels.
- Submit Documents Early to avoid last-minute complications.
Conclusion
The latest update on the Private Hajj Scheme 2026 shows that the government is committed to ensuring a transparent, well-regulated, and affordable pilgrimage process. With strict requirements for private operators, monitoring systems in place, and flexible installment plans, Pakistanis can look forward to a smoother experience.
As the ministry prepares to release the final list of approved operators, pilgrims are advised to stay vigilant, plan ahead, and choose only authorized service providers for their sacred journey.
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