ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced measures to facilitate passport renewal for Pakistani citizens planning to perform Hajj in 2027, allowing applicants to renew their passports before the usual validity period expires.
The move was introduced following a request from the ministry, after which passport offices were directed to accept early renewal applications from prospective pilgrims.
It is now compulsory for any Hajj candidate to hold a Pakistani passport valid till November 16, 2027, according to officials’ clarification. In the absence of a valid passport, applications will not be entertained.
Passport centres located in different cities of Pakistan and abroad have been directed to renew passports of Hajj candidates on the basis of applicable passport laws in order to facilitate Hajj pilgrims well ahead of time.
Ministry of Religious Affairs recommended to Hajj pilgrims to make sure about their passports valid till the necessary date.
On the other hand, the cabinet, which was presided by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has finalized the Hajj policy and plan 2027-2030.
Officials told the cabinet that, for the first time, a multi-year Hajj policy has been prepared instead of an annual plan. Under the new policy, individuals interested in performing Hajj will not need to register every year and will be able to complete a single registration valid until 2030. A priority-based waiting list will be developed to ensure greater transparency.
The policy also includes the introduction of a Shariah-compliant Hajj savings scheme to help citizens, particularly those with limited incomes, plan financially for the pilgrimage through gradual savings.
In addition, the government confirmed that the Hajj management process will be completely digitized including the registration process, payment process, complaints, monitoring and other related processes to enhance efficiency and accountability.
The new policy also has provisions for the government and private Hajj schemes such as different quota, long and short Hajj, mandatory training, Takaful, and emergency services among others.
PM Shehbaz Sharif directed that the appointment of Hajj assistants be based on transparency and merit and that third-party validation of government and private Hajj arrangements be ensured to provide better facilities to pilgrims.
