JEDDAH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Saturday signed a formal agreement to finalize the arrangements and facilities for Hajj 2026.
The accord was inked in Jeddah between Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, and Pakistan’s Secretary for Religious Affairs, Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman.
Expressing appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued hospitality toward pilgrims, Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman lauded the kingdom’s “exceptional commitment to serving the guests of Allah.” He said Pakistani pilgrims would once again receive quality services and support throughout the pilgrimage.
The secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to ensure timely, transparent, and well-coordinated arrangements for both government and private Hajj schemes, in full compliance with Saudi guidelines.
This year, the federal cabinet introduced major reforms in Hajj quota distribution. Under the new Hajj Policy 2026, the government scheme’s share has been increased to 70 percent, while private tour operators will manage 30 percent of the total quota.
In contrast, during Hajj 2025, Pakistan’s quota of 179,210 pilgrims was equally divided between the two sectors. However, logistical lapses and administrative inefficiencies left over 67,000 Pakistanis unable to perform Hajj that year.
Officials say the updated policy aims to enhance accountability, ensure greater accessibility, and prevent a repeat of last year’s mismanagement.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Riyal (SAR) maintained stability in Pakistan’s open market, trading at Rs74.88 on November 8 — well below its July 28 peak of Rs76.03. The selling rate stood steady at Rs75.45, supported by robust remittance inflows and stable market fundamentals, underscoring the Riyal’s key role in Pakistan’s financial landscape.
Would you like me to make it sound more like a newspaper report (concise and formal) or more like a government press release.
