Federal Cabinet Unveils Comprehensive Hajj Policy for 2027-2030 to Enhance Pilgrim Experience

The federal cabinet on Monday approved a new Haj Policy framework covering 2027–2030, designed to elevate pilgrim facilities and optimize operational efficiency. The cabinet praised Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and his ministry’s team for their exceptional Haj arrangements this year.

A detailed briefing outlined the policy’s shift from annual regulations to a strategic four-year plan, aimed at enabling sustained planning and enhanced service delivery. The cabinet was informed that prospective pilgrims will no longer face annual registration hurdles; instead, they can register at any time for Haj until 2030, streamlining access and facilitating a priority waiting list system.

The policy introduces a Shariah-compliant Haj savings scheme to support pilgrims financially and digitizes key systems, including payment mechanisms, complaint resolution, and monitoring tools. It also allocates separate quotas for government and private Haj schemes, offers long- and short-duration packages, mandates pilgrim training, and incorporates Takaful (Islamic insurance) and emergency response protocols.

The cabinet directed the appointment of Haj assistants via a transparent, merit-based process and mandated third-party validation for both government and private operators. Additionally, the outsourcing of the Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre (IHITC) and the Regional Blood Centre (RBC) in Islamabad was approved to improve healthcare services under the Ministry of National Health Services.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi reported a 24.1% revenue growth for Pakistan Railways, rising from Rs95 billion in FY 2024–25 to over Rs115 billion in FY 2025–26. Freight revenue increased by Rs8 billion, property and land revenue by Rs6 billion, and other revenue by Rs7 billion, with passenger revenue up 3.37%.

The cabinet ratified decisions from the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) and Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meetings. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism, commending security forces and mourning the martyrdom of PAF Group Captain Asim Tariq, who heroically intervened in an attack on a woman. The accused have been detained and will face legal consequences.

The PM highlighted his recent visit to Turkiye, where a business conference showcased investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and mineral sectors, attracting Turkish investors keen on Pakistan’s economic potential. He praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s support and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral collaboration through enhanced trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.

The cabinet concluded its session with prayers for fallen security personnel and the nation’s progress.

Source link