What’s behind Pakistan’s sudden push to reform Hajj operations?

What’s behind Pakistan’s sudden push to reform Hajj operations?

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May, 4 2025

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) The federal government has established a high-level reform committee to review and reform Pakistan’s Hajj operations following significant regulatory changes introduced by Saudi Arabia for the pilgrims.

Chaired by Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, the committee has been tasked with evaluating the existing legal and regulatory framework governing Hajj arrangements.

The decision to form the committee was made on the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Alongside Dr. Malik, the committee includes Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, CEO Serena Hotels South and Central Asia Aziz Bolani, former federal secretary Shahid Khan, former Director General Hajj Abrar Ahmed Mirza, and other senior officials.

This initiative follows widespread disruption during the recent Hajj season, where reports indicate that nearly 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims were unable to participate due to alleged non-compliance by private tour operators with the new Saudi regulations.

The incident has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s preparedness and regulatory oversight of Hajj arrangements.

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The committee’s mandate includes identifying challenges arising from the implementation of Saudi Arabia’s revised Hajj guidelines, proposing long-term strategies for integrating private sector operators into the new framework, and recommending necessary amendments to Pakistan’s existing legal structure to ensure alignment with the updated Saudi requirements.

Officials stated that the goal is to improve coordination, ensure compliance, and enhance the overall management of Hajj operations—particularly by better regulating private tour operators who play a significant role in facilitating pilgrimages.

Saudi Arabia has recently introduced sweeping reforms to its Hajj management system, including stricter compliance measures and digital monitoring tools aimed at streamlining the process for both foreign governments and private facilitators. These changes have prompted several countries, including Pakistan, to reassess and update their own procedures.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Religious Affairs unveiled the Hajj Policy 2025, which included a Rs100,000 hike in pilgrimage costs compared to the previous year. The announcement drew criticism, especially amid the ongoing concerns about mismanagement and the large number of stranded pilgrims.