Saudi Arabia has abolished the mahram (male guardian) prerequisite for women embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced. Pakistan is also exploring the possibility of allowing pilgrims to pay for Hajj in installments this year.
The revelation came during a National Assembly Standing Committee meeting on Religious Affairs, chaired by Aamir Dogar. Minister Yousaf briefed the committee on the successful 2025 Hajj operation, noting that Saudi Arabia bestowed Pakistan with an Excellence Award for the first time. Pakistani pilgrims provided overwhelmingly positive responses. “We resolved all on-site issues and guaranteed top-notch amenities via our committed task force,” he explained, citing the exceptional provision of air-conditioned tents in Arafat and other holy locations.
A new Hajj policy is being formulated as per Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions and Saudi guidelines, with input sought from committee members. The committee applauded the arrangements for this year”s Hajj and urged maintaining the same level for 2026. Minister Yousaf, however, revealed that 63,000 aspiring pilgrims could not perform Hajj due to quota restrictions, despite Pakistan securing 10,000 additional slots.
Regarding accommodations, the minister mentioned the “Road to Makkah” immigration service is operational in Islamabad and Karachi, with expansion planned for Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta next year. Saudi Arabia recently unveiled its 12th Dhul-Hijjah Hajj policy, featuring premium services.
Committee member Asiya Tanoli affirmed the seamless execution of this year’s pilgrimage and confirmed that registration for Hajj 2026 is open, with 455,000 individuals already registered. Pakistan has requested a quota increase from 189,000 to 255,000 for the coming year.
Committee member Shagufta Jumani inquired about prioritizing those who missed Hajj this year and the timeline for refunds. Minister Yousaf refuted claims of an Indian company”s involvement with Pakistani pilgrims. He confirmed 365 million Saudi Riyals are held in Saudi accounts, available for pilgrim refunds, with priority given to those who paid this year, per the Prime Minister’s directive. Minister Yousaf reiterated the lifting of the mahram requirement for women and the consideration of installment payments for Hajj 2026.