ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has instructed private Hajj operators to complete visa processing for Hajj 2026 pilgrims by March 15, ahead of the deadline set by Saudi Arabia.
According to ministry officials, the directive was issued to prevent possible delays that could arise because of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays or other unforeseen circumstances. Saudi authorities have set March 20 as the final and non-extendable date for issuing Hajj visas.
In a letter dated March 9 to the chairman of the Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan and Hajj companies, the ministry stressed the importance of completing the visa process well before the Saudi deadline to avoid complications.
Private operators have also been asked to submit daily updates to the ministry regarding visa issuance for intending pilgrims. However, a representative of HOAP said the new directive effectively shortens the timeframe by about five days and requested some flexibility.
Officials from the ministry said the government’s regular Hajj scheme is progressing according to the schedule set by Saudi authorities. They added that biometric verification for more than 119,000 prospective pilgrims has already been completed.
This year, around 60,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj under the private scheme. Separately, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, who is currently in Makkah to perform Umrah, met with senior Islamic scholar Saad Al-Shathri, an adviser to the court of King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
During the meeting, the minister conveyed Pakistan’s views regarding the current situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed the strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said the people and government of Pakistan stand ready to support the Kingdom and acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s longstanding assistance to Pakistan.
Saad Al-Shathri expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s sentiments and prayed for the country’s peace, stability and prosperity. Other participants in the meeting included Professor Sajjad Qamar and Dr Ehsan Sajid.
