KARACHI (Kashmir English): The Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs has made a significant announcement regarding the biometric process for Saudi visas for Hajj 2026 pilgrims.
A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed that pilgrims can now undertake their biometric process from the comfort of their homes using the “Saudi Visa Bio” app.
The ministry explained that the biometric process is a requirement for acquiring a Saudi Hajj visa. If pilgrims fail to undertake the process using the app, they will need to visit a nearby Saudi Tashir Center by February 8.
The spokesperson explained that pilgrims will not receive a Hajj visa if they fail to undertake the biometric process.
For more information on the nearest Tashir Centers, pilgrims can also use the “Pak Hajj” mobile app.
Government finalizes Hajj 2026 policy
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, the Minister for Religious Affairs, has announced that the policy for Hajj 2026 Pakistan has been conceived and approved by the government as per the suggestions provided by Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj quota for Pakistan in 2026 is 179,210 pilgrims, with the division between the government scheme, 120,000, and private operators, 60,000. The training of pilgrims is being carried out throughout the country with obligatory training sessions in different districts.
As part of the “Road to Makkah” project, about 38,000 pilgrims will be flying through Islamabad. This facility is currently available at Islamabad and Karachi airports only, but there are plans to take it to Lahore airport next.
The minister pointed out that the Ministry of Religious Affairs also helps promote interfaith harmony and protects the rights of minorities through scholarships, rehabilitation of the places of worship, job quotas, parliamentary representation, and financial assistance to the needy.
He also informed that the religious communities in India are still facing difficulties, and he mentioned the incidents of vandalism during Christmas time last year as an example. Furthermore, a centralized system has been introduced for managing the pilgrimage of Zaireen visiting the holy places in Iran and Iraq, thus providing better management and safety.
The Hajj 2026 Pakistan measures taken by the government will not only support the smooth and hassle-free conveyance of the religious pilgrims but also the religious harmony and community welfare of the country.
