ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has rejected rumours about Hajj flights being cancelled.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, through an official statement, confirmed that Hajj 2026 preparations continue to progress according to their planned schedule despite international obstacles. The Hajj visa process is advancing quickly because Hajj flight schedules will be revealed after Eid al-Fitr.
The spokesperson also announced that Makkah and Medina arrangements for pilgrims will include both accommodation and essential services which are currently being finalized.
Ministry officials have urged Hajj pilgrims to consult the “Pak Hajj App” or the Ministry’s official website for any authentic information related to Hajj and to avoid believing rumours or unverified reports circulating on social media or through unofficial sources.
The Federal Cabinet has implemented new regulations that modify existing rules for Hajj quota distribution. The new Hajj Policy 2026 increases government Hajj scheme quotas to 70%, while private Hajj tour operators receive a 30% allocation.
The government of Pakistan distributed its complete 179210 Hajj pilgrim quota for the 2025 Hajj between government and private organizations in equal portions. The poor management of the pilgrimage system resulted in over 67000 Pakistani pilgrims missing their opportunity to perform the pilgrimage. The new policy establishes three goals which include increasing transparency, improving monitoring processes, and simplifying access to government programs.
Saudi Arabia announces key dates for Umrah pilgrims: Entry and departure deadlines revealed
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially announced the final dates for Umrah visas and the departure of pilgrims. According to the Ministry, the last day for issuing Umrah visas will be the first day of Shawwal, and pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia before 15 Shawwal.
The Ministry established that Umrah pilgrims need to depart from the Kingdom before the first day of Dhul-Qi’dah.
The Ministry conducted its 17th online meeting with Saudi Umrah companies to explain to company representatives why they must follow existing rules about Umrah and Hajj operations. The Hajj pilgrimage requires a Hajj visa while an Umrah visa does not permit Hajj travel.
The preparations for Hajj 2026 are also moving forward. The issuance of Hajj visas is currently being done on a fast track. The Hajj flight schedule will be announced after Eid ul-Fitr.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs’ spokesperson stated that all arrangements regarding Makkah and Medina pilgrims’ accommodations are currently being completed. The pilgrims can receive the latest news regarding Hajj on the “Pak Hajj App” or on the Ministry’s website.
The Federal Cabinet has made significant changes regarding the distribution of Hajj quotas. The government Hajj scheme is allocated 70% of the Hajj quota under the new Hajj Policy 2026. The private Hajj scheme is allocated 30% of the Hajj quota.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2025 was 179,210. The government and private sectors equally received 50% of the Hajj quota. However, due to mismanagement during the previous year, more than 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj.
