Islamabad: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has announced the government's approval of an effective Hajj Policy for 2026, aligned with the guidelines provided by Saudi Arabia. The policy was confirmed during a Podcast interview with Radio Pakistan's News and Current Affairs Channel, where Yousaf detailed Pakistan's Hajj quota and the distribution of pilgrims for the upcoming pilgrimage.
According to Radio Pakistan, Pakistan's Hajj quota for 2026 is set at 179,210 pilgrims. Of these, approximately 120,000 will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while 60,000 will proceed through private operators. The Minister also revealed that training for the 2026 Hajj is currently in progress across the country, with mandatory sessions being conducted in various districts to ensure readiness.
Yousaf highlighted the "Road to Makkah" project, noting that around 38,000 pilgrims will depart from Islamabad under this initiative. Currently, this facility is available only in Islamabad and Karachi, but there are plans to expand it to Lahore, enhancing convenience for the pilgrims.
In addition to the Hajj arrangements, the Minister underscored the Ministry for Religious Affairs' role in promoting interfaith harmony. He stated that the ministry provides a platform for all religious minorities in Pakistan, fostering unity and cohesion. The Constitution of Pakistan, he emphasized, guarantees equal rights for all minority communities.
Furthermore, Sardar Yousaf detailed government initiatives supporting minority communities, including scholarships for their children, funds for the rehabilitation of worship places, and financial assistance for deserving individuals. Minority communities also benefit from separate job quotas and representation in parliament.
Addressing regional issues, Yousaf observed that religious communities in India face significant challenges, citing incidents of vandalism and ransacking during Christmas celebrations in December last year. He also introduced a new centralized system by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to organize pilgrimages by Zaireen to holy sites in Iran and Iraq.