Hajj 2026 Successful: Pakistan Praised, Complaint Rate Below 1%

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has announced the successful completion of Hajj 2026, stating that Pakistan’s arrangements for pilgrims were widely appreciated and resulted in a complaint rate of less than one percent.

Speaking at a post-Hajj press conference in Makkah, the minister said Pakistan also received three international awards for excellence in Hajj management, including recognition under the “Libitum Excellence” category, marking the second consecutive year of such achievements.

He noted that around 80 percent of Pakistani pilgrims benefited from the Saudi Arabia-backed Road to Makkah initiative, which facilitated smoother travel and processing for pilgrims. He added that the overall success of the pilgrimage was made possible through coordinated efforts between the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Pakistan Hajj Mission and Saudi authorities.

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The minister highlighted that Pakistan, with a quota of 180,000 pilgrims, remains one of the largest contributors to the annual pilgrimage. He said improved arrangements were made for accommodation, transport, food and healthcare, ensuring the safe completion of all rituals.

Special appreciation was given to the Hajj Medical Mission and Saudi German Hospital for assisting critically ill pilgrims, enabling 146 seriously unwell individuals to complete key rites such as Wukuf-e-Arafat and Tawaf-e-Ziarat under medical supervision.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said preparations for Hajj 2027 have already begun in line with Saudi timelines. The Hajj Policy 2027 is expected to be presented to the federal cabinet in June, with key decisions regarding applications, packages and procedures to be finalized thereafter. He confirmed that the “first come, first served” system will continue.

He further stated that booking for Hajj 2027 is likely to be completed within the next two months and urged prospective pilgrims to prepare their passports in advance.

Looking ahead, the minister said improvements will be introduced based on lessons learned from Hajj 2026, including enhanced medical screening, expanded training programs at divisional levels, and earlier selection of group leaders to better guide pilgrims.

He also mentioned that efforts will continue to improve accommodation near the Prophet’s Mosque and strengthen private sector participation. Plans for a pilot train travel project between Madinah and Makkah were delayed this year but may be revisited for Hajj 2027.

The minister concluded by urging the public to avoid politicizing Hajj arrangements, calling it a collective religious responsibility, and thanked the leadership of Saudi Arabia for their continued support.