Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, confirmed on Sunday that preparations for Hajj 2026 are complete, ensuring no additional costs for the 180,000 pilgrims. This group includes 120,000 pilgrims under government arrangements and 60,000 from the private sector.
In a statement from Riyadh, the minister announced that Hajj flights will commence on April 18. Notably, a new direct flight route from Lahore to Saudi Arabia has been introduced to complement the existing services, which will continue operating from other cities as scheduled.
The minister emphasized that all aspects of the pilgrimage, including flights, accommodations, and transportation, will be managed efficiently to guarantee the comfort and safety of all participants. He also highlighted the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ close collaboration with private companies to oversee Umrah services, lodging, catering, and transport arrangements.
Efforts are focused on delivering high-quality services to pilgrims, aiming to make this year’s Hajj a model of excellent management and facilities. In a significant development, the minister praised the strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the host nation’s support and arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims.
He reiterated that Pakistan will fully utilize its Hajj quota this year while maintaining high standards, reflecting the dedication of both governments to providing a secure and memorable pilgrimage experience. Addressing a specific query, the minister explained that while the previous Hajj route operated from Karachi to Islamabad, the newly added Lahore-to-Saudi Arabia route will offer easier travel options for pilgrims.
