Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign agreement for Hajj 2026 arrangements

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a formal agreement in Jeddah today (Sunday) to provide Pakistan pilgrims with high-quality facilities during Hajj 2026.

The ceremony for Hajj agreement 2026 took place between Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj Abdul Fattah bin Suleiman and Pakistan’s Secretary for Religious Affairs Atta-ur-Rehman.  

Saudi’s ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, DG Hajj Jeddah Abdul Wahab, director Hajj Makkah Azizullah, director Hajj Madinah Zia and deputy secretary for Hajj policy Kashif Hussain and others were present during the ceremony.

In the end, Atta-ur-Rehman thanked the Saudi officials who agreed to the provision of high-quality facilities for Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj 2026.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that all applications for the government’s Hajj Scheme 2026 that have paid first installment dues have been successfully accepted.

REFUNDS FOR 2025 PILGRIMS

The Minister said that refunds to Hajj 2025 pilgrims have already begun, with Rs3.5 billion being returned to account for cost differences in Mina and Makkah accommodations. Refunds will be completed by October 31 through the pilgrims’ bank accounts.

TRAINING AND FACILITIES

The Minister emphasized that mandatory Hajj training sessions will be conducted nationwide to ensure that all pilgrims are well-prepared for both rituals and administrative processes. The ministry has also improved training materials to better guide pilgrims throughout their journey.

Concluding the briefing, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to “serve the guests of Allah with sincerity and efficiency,” assuring that all arrangements are being finalized in close coordination with Saudi authorities.