Islamabad: The Federal Cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy 2026 and the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025. The approval came during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of fully digitizing next year's Hajj operations to provide necessary facilities to pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has been tasked with implementing the Hajj policy. Under the new policy, seventy percent of Pakistan's Hajj quota will be allocated to the government Hajj Scheme, with the remaining portion going to the private sector. The policy mandates third-party validation for both government and private sector Hajj operations to ensure quality services proportional to the payments made by pilgrims. A thousand seats will be reserved for hardship cases, and each private company is required to cater to a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims. Real-time monitoring of payments and processes will be implemented to ensure transparency.

The Hajj Policy 2026 also includes provisions for transparent selection of Moavineen, mobile SIMs, digital wristbands, quality accommodation and meals for pilgrims, and compensation in case of emergencies. The "Pak Hajj" mobile app will be enhanced to facilitate payments, training, and complaints.

Regarding the Artificial Intelligence policy, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of youth as the country's greatest asset and prioritized AI education and growth opportunities. AI is currently being used in FBR reforms to enhance national revenue. The AI Policy 2025 aims to improve public services, agricultural productivity, and economic inclusion. The establishment of a comprehensive AI ecosystem is underway, with private sector encouragement through the AI Innovation and Venture Funds. Nationwide awareness campaigns and simplified loans will be provided, with inclusive access for women and differently-abled individuals.

The policy also embeds cybersecurity, national data protection, and environmental considerations. It aims to train one million AI professionals, offer 3,000 annual scholarships, and develop one thousand indigenous AI products and 50,000 AI-powered civic projects over the next five years. An AI Council and a Master Plan with an Action Matrix will be established to oversee implementation.