The federal cabinet on Tuesday sanctioned Pakistan’s inaugural four-year Hajj Policy and Plan, covering the period from 2027 to 2030. This initiative aims to enhance the management of the pilgrimage by introducing digitalisation, improving services, and enabling long-term planning for prospective pilgrims.
The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who also updated ministers on his recent diplomatic visits to Iran and Turkey. He highlighted efforts to bolster bilateral relations and attract foreign investment.
The cabinet commended Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and his team for their effective handling of this year’s Hajj arrangements. The newly approved policy represents a significant shift from the previous annual approach by establishing a comprehensive four-year framework.
Under this policy, pilgrims can register in advance for any Hajj season up to 2030 without interruption, facilitating better planning for both applicants and authorities. The plan also includes full digitalisation of the Hajj management system, encompassing registration, operational processes, and financial transactions, with all payments mandated through digital platforms.
The policy maintains distinct quotas for government and private Hajj schemes while introducing both long and short Hajj packages to offer greater flexibility to pilgrims. Additionally, the cabinet directed that Hajj assistants be appointed through a transparent, merit-based process.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Sharif briefed the cabinet on his recent visits to Tehran and Ankara. He expressed optimism about deepening Pakistan-Turkey relations across various sectors, emphasizing the historic brotherly ties between the two nations.
The prime minister attended the funeral ceremony of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, conveying Pakistan’s condolences and solidarity with the Iranian government and people. Subsequently, he traveled to Turkey with federal cabinet members to participate in a business conference featuring numerous Turkish investors.
Pakistani officials showcased investment opportunities in the power sector, privatisation of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), reduction of transmission line losses, mining, minerals, and energy. Turkish investors showed keen interest in these sectors, and Sharif invited leading Turkish business groups to invest in Pakistan’s energy, mining, infrastructure, and other priority economic areas.
The prime minister also reported a constructive meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressing confidence that bilateral relations would continue to strengthen.
Earlier in the meeting, Sharif expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was killed while protecting a woman in Islamabad. He offered prayers for the fallen officer and condolences to his family, noting that the suspect had been apprehended and would face justice.
The cabinet also paid tribute to security forces for eliminating 15 militants during an operation in Balochistan, concluding the session with special prayers for all martyrs.
Separately, the cabinet approved a policy to outsource services at isolation hospitals and regional blood centres. The Ministry of National Health Services was instructed to ensure that the outsourcing process adheres strictly to established rules and regulations.
