Islamabad, Nov. 10 — Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formally signed an agreement for Haj 2026, outlining arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims ahead of next year’s pilgrimage season, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.
According to the report, Saudi Deputy Minister for Haj and Umrah Dr Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat and Pakistan’s Secretary for Religious Affairs Dr Syed Ata-ur-Rehman signed the agreement in Jeddah on Saturday.
Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is performed annually by millions of Muslims from across the world. Pakistan continues to receive one of the largest pilgrimage quotas from Saudi Arabia.
Dr Ata-ur-Rehman expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for what he described as their “excellent efforts” in hosting and facilitating pilgrims. “Like last year, Pakistani pilgrims will be provided with high-quality services this year,” he said, reaffirming his ministry’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive and timely arrangements under both the government and private Haj schemes.
“Like last year, Pakistani pilgrims will be provided with high-quality services this year,” the report quoted Dr Rehman as saying.https://t.co/57vHrqk3TO
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 9, 2025
The agreement formalises coordination between the two governments on logistical, accommodation, and transportation matters related to the pilgrimage. Officials said the arrangements will be carried out in line with Saudi Arabia’s updated guidelines for managing large-scale religious gatherings.
In July, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the Haj Policy 2026, which defines the procedural, financial, and administrative framework for the upcoming pilgrimage. The policy also includes measures for digital facilitation, improved accommodation, and cost transparency for applicants. The government began accepting applications for Haj in August.
Under the 2026 quota, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will be allowed to perform Haj — 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 through private operators, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
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Officials said further details, including flight schedules and accommodation arrangements, will be finalised in coordination with Saudi authorities in the coming months.
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