Saudi Govt ends Mahram requirement for women Hajj pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced that Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the requirement of a mahram (male guardian) for female pilgrims, making it easier for women to perform Hajj independently.

He also informed that Pakistan is considering offering installment-based payment options for Hajj 2026, as was done earlier.

Addressing a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs chaired by Aamir Dogar, the Federal Minister gave a detailed briefing on the current year’s Hajj operations. He termed Hajj 2025 a major success, adding that Pakistan has been awarded the Excellence Award by the Saudi government for the first time and the feedback from the pilgrims has been overwhelmingly positive.

Sardar Yousaf said that Pakistan has introduced several facilities for the first time, including air-conditioned tents at Arafat, which has significantly improved the experience of the pilgrims. He said that complaints were resolved on the spot by a dedicated task force.

He also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that all arrangements be made in accordance with Saudi laws and teachings. A draft of the new Hajj policy is being prepared, and committee members have been invited to give suggestions.

Committee Chairman Aamir Dogar praised the arrangements, terming Hajj 2025 as exemplary and called for similar or better preparations for Hajj 2026.

The minister revealed that while 67,000 private pilgrims were initially left out, Pakistan was later given an additional quota of 10,000, although 63,000 pilgrims were still missing out on Hajj this year.

Regarding the quality of accommodation in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, he said that the “Road to Mecca” facility was provided in Karachi and Islamabad, with immigration teams comprising 50 personnel. The government is now working to extend this service to Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. He added that Saudi Arabia released its Hajj policy on 12th Dhul Hijjah, which focuses on world-class services.

Committee member Asia Tanoli said that this year’s Hajj was the easiest Hajj in recent history, and registration for the next Hajj has begun. So far, 455,000 people have registered, and Pakistan is expected to get its quota of 255,000 pilgrims, up from 189,000.

Committee member Shagufta Jumani asked whether those who did not perform Hajj this year would be given priority next year, and when would the previous payments be refunded. In response, the minister clarified that no Indian company was involved in the transportation of Pakistani pilgrims and 365 million Saudi riyals were deposited in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims were offered the option of refunding the money, but private operators advised to retain the funds. She assured that those who deposited payments this year would be given priority for 2026.

When asked about travel options, ministry officials said that sea travel options for Hajj, Umrah and pilgrimage are under consideration.

The committee chairman proposed holding one of its sessions in Saudi Arabia, and also suggested exploring ship-based Hajj.

Regarding subsidies, member Seema Mohiuddin asked whether Pakistan has any plan like India for Hajj subsidy? Another member, Asia Tanoli, inquired about special Hajj opportunities for youth, to which the ministry replied that such ideas are also being considered in future planning.