PM warns against negligence after thousands miss Hajj pilgrimage

The premier has directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to begin immediate planning for Hajj 2026

Listen to article

In the wake of serious administrative lapses that prevented more than 67,000 prospective pilgrims from performing Hajj this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to immediately begin planning and logistical preparations for Hajj 2026.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad on Saturday, the prime minister said such negligence would not be tolerated in the future, and instructed the ministry to develop a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the Hajj policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Serving the Hajj pilgrims is a sacred responsibility. Any negligence in this regard next year will be unacceptable,” the prime minister was quoted as saying during the meeting.

Read More: 'Private Hajj quota' lost due to negligence

In 2025, Saudi Arabia had allocated a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan, traditionally split evenly between the government and private Hajj operators. However, delays and mismanagement in meeting procedural requirements led to the underutilisation of the quota—particularly in the private sector.

As a result, the private sector’s share dropped from the allocated 89,801 slots to just 25,698, leaving over 67,000 pilgrims unable to travel.

The lapse prompted the prime minister to form a three-member inquiry committee in April to investigate the failure to comply with the Kingdom’s Hajj policy.

To prevent a repeat of this year’s debacle, the prime minister directed that early and detailed arrangements be made, including immediate coordination with Saudi authorities. He also instructed the regularisation of the private Hajj scheme to ensure better oversight and compliance.

He also ordered the presentation of a plan of action soon after the period of Hajj for the upcoming year is determined.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Musadik Malik, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other relevant departments. A formal plan of action is expected to be submitted soon.