Applications for Hajj will begin from August 4, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced in a press conference at Kohsar Block that the federal cabinet has officially approved the Hajj policy for 2026. The government has also formally requested Saudi Arabia to expand Pakistan’s Hajj quota even further.

The minister added that under the “Road to Makkah” initiative, immigration facilities will be extended to more cities including Karachi and Lahore, improving convenience for pilgrims.

Over 455,000 applications have so far been received, which far exceeds the approved quota. The minister confirmed that for private tour operators, the existing quota of 2,000 pilgrims per operator will remain unchanged in 2026.

The Prime Minister has directed that transparency be ensured in the private quota system, while priority will be given to first-time pilgrims and younger applicants. For the first time, ACs and air coolers will be installed in Mina tents to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.

Read more: PTI’s Jamshed Dasti scores legal win as LHC halts NA-175 by-election

To improve management, one supervisor will be assigned to every 188 pilgrims, and a total of 1,050 assistants will be made available. The age restriction for Hajj remains in place, with no visa allowed for children under 12, as per Saudi regulations.

According to the minister, complaints during this year’s Hajj dropped by 72%, thanks to improved facilities in Makkah and Madinah. The short Hajj scheme of 20–25 days has also gained popularity, offering pilgrims more flexibility.

This move reflects Pakistan’s increasing focus on making Hajj more accessible, efficient, and pilgrim-friendly. With record-high application numbers and major logistical upgrades, Hajj 2026 is expected to be one of the most organized and inclusive in recent years — though managing demand will be a major challenge.