Cabinet approves 4-year Hajj policy

ISLAMABAD:

The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the "first-ever" four-year Hajj policy and plan (20272-2030), directing authorities to complete digitisation of the operation to ensure "better" facilities for pilgrims.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting of the federal cabinet, where the participants were given a detailed briefing on the latest long-term Hajj policy.

The cabinet members were told that the new policy was designed to improve operations and provide better facilities to pilgrims, and standard operating procedures and other regulatory frameworks would be developed for its implementation. Furthermore, amendments would be made to it, as needed, to keep it aligned with Saudi laws and regulations.

To ensure affordability, the cabinet also approved the introduction of a Shariah-compliant savings scheme to enable aspiring pilgrims to benefit from a savings plan for performing Hajj in the future.

The meeting was apprised that under the latest policy, aspiring pilgrims would be able to register for Hajj in any year up to 2030, allowing the ministry to prepare a priority waiting list.

The cabinet members were further informed that the entire Hajj management system was being digitised to support online payment mechanisms, with the introduction of complaint management and monitoring systems as well.

Under the newly approved policy, the cabinet was told that separate quotas were allocated for government and private Hajj schemes, including options for a long and short stay.

The policy also mandated training for pilgrims, takaful arrangements, and emergency response mechanisms.

The cabinet directed the authorities to appoint Hajj Moavineen "on merit" through a transparent mechanism. It further instructed that third-party validation of both government and private Hajj operations should also be ensured to facilitate pilgrims.

The cabinet also commended Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and his team for the successful management of this year's pilgrimage.

The cabinet also approved a policy to outsource services at the Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre and the Regional Blood Centre in Islamabad to improve citizens' access to healthcare, with the Ministry of National Health Services to implement it.

The cabinet members were also briefed on the performance of Pakistan Railways, including that its revenue rose from Rs95 billion in 2024-25 to over Rs115 billion in the last fiscal year, registering an increase of 24.19%, mainly driven by freight revenue.

Authorities said the railways' freight revenue increased by more than Rs8 billion, other revenue by Rs7 billion, and property and land revenue by Rs6 billion. The meeting's participants were apprised that the revenue from passenger services increased by 3.37% during the same time period.

They were further informed that, besides improvements in railway operations, significant progress had also been made in freight cargo logistics.

Eradicating terrorism

The premier reaffirmed the 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 meeting, the prime minister 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.

He 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, the premier referred to his visit to Türkiye, 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.

He 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-Turkiye relations would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead through enhanced trade, investment and strategic cooperation.