Govt Hajj Scheme Likely to be Abolished from 2026
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- January 1, 2025
- 2:12 pm
- 37
- Current Affairs
Govt Hajj Scheme May End by 2026 as Private Operators Take Over
The Govt Hajj scheme may phase out by 2026, signaling a major shift in Hajj management. The Ministry of Religious Affairs plans to hand over Hajj arrangements to private operators, aiming to reduce government involvement. Officials emphasized this change during a Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs meeting on Tuesday.
Private Operators to Manage Hajj by 2026
Dr. Zulfiqar Haider, the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, informed the committee about future plans.
The ministry plans to distance itself from the government’s direct involvement in Hajj management.
Instead, private companies will handle the arrangements if they meet all legal requirements.
The secretary warned that private operators must comply with ministry guidelines or risk losing their quotas. Operators who have taken their complaints to court were urged to resolve disputes swiftly.
Challenges Facing Private Hajj Operators
During the meeting, chaired by Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, the committee highlighted concerns regarding the current practices of private Hajj operators. The ministry clarified that operators must finalize agreements with the government before sending advance payments to Saudi Arabia. Violating this rule could result in quota cancellations.
The chairman expressed concern over the country’s reputation if these issues remain unresolved.
If operators fail to comply, their quotas could be transferred to countries like Afghanistan or India,
Strict Deadlines and Policies
The committee gave private operators a four-day deadline to address pending agreements. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah emphasized the urgency, stating that delays could embarrass the government.
The federal cabinet has already approved reducing the number of Hajj companies. However, due to binding agreements with Saudi Arabia, revising the Hajj policy remains challenging. The secretary highlighted the importance of collaboration between private operators and the ministry to ensure smooth Hajj arrangements in the future.
A Shift Towards Privatization
The planned phase-out of the Govt Hajj scheme reflects a broader strategy to involve private businesses in religious affairs. Officials believe this change will streamline operations while reducing the burden on the government. However, it requires strict compliance and cooperation from private operators to succeed.
Looking Ahead
With the Govt Hajj scheme likely to end by 2026, private operators must adapt to new responsibilities. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has outlined clear guidelines to ensure transparency and efficiency. As the transition unfolds, the focus will remain on safeguarding the country’s reputation and ensuring pilgrims receive reliable services.
