Key Agreement Reached in Jeddah
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formally signed an agreement outlining arrangements for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The signing ceremony took place in Jeddah, where Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Al-Mashat, and Pakistan’s Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs, Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman, finalized the accord on behalf of their respective governments.
Senior officials from both nations attended the event, underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation in managing the annual pilgrimage, which brings millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca each year.
Appreciation for Saudi Hospitality
During the ceremony, Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman expressed deep appreciation for the Saudi government’s hospitality and the high-quality facilities provided to Pakistani pilgrims during the previous Hajj season.
He praised Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to improving services for visitors to the holy sites, including better accommodation, transport, and health arrangements.
The Kingdom has consistently ensured exceptional arrangements for our pilgrims, Dr. Rehman noted. We are confident that Pakistani pilgrims in 2026 will also benefit from the same world-class facilities and organization.
Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency
The Pakistani official reaffirmed that his ministry remains committed to ensuring timely, transparent, and efficient management of both government and private Hajj schemes.
He added that coordination with Saudi authorities would continue to ensure that logistical, medical, and digital services for pilgrims are further streamlined.
Pakistan sends one of the largest contingents of pilgrims each year. In 2024, more than 179,000 Pakistanis performed Hajj under both official and private schemes, according to government data. This number is expected to rise in 2026, given growing demand and improved digital registration processes.
Efforts to Facilitate Pilgrims
Dr. Rehman emphasized that the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to making every possible effort to facilitate pilgrims in performing their sacred religious duty with comfort and dignity.
In line with this commitment, Pakistan has also announced priority for over 60,000 pilgrims who missed Hajj 2025 — ensuring they receive preference in the upcoming 2026 pilgrimage.
He also highlighted upcoming initiatives, including better guidance programs, upgraded transport options between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, and enhanced communication channels to address pilgrims’ concerns during the Hajj.
Strengthening Bilateral Religious Cooperation
The new agreement not only defines the operational framework for Hajj 2026 but also reflects the longstanding religious and diplomatic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Both countries have pledged to continue collaboration on technology integration, visa facilitation, and training of staff involved in managing pilgrims.
The accord is viewed as a significant step toward ensuring a safer, more organized, and spiritually fulfilling experience for Pakistani pilgrims in the years to come.
