Pakistan Introduces New Umrah Rules to Protect Pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced new rules governing Umrah services in Pakistan, requiring pilgrims to make bookings only through companies approved by the ministry. The regulations, introduced under the Hajj and Umrah Act 2024, are aimed at strengthening official oversight, improving transparency and protecting travellers from illegal or unregistered service providers.

Under the new rules, only operators authorised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be permitted to offer Umrah-related services.

The ministry will publish a list of approved operators on its official website. Pilgrims have been advised to check the list and book their travel arrangements only through registered companies.

Officials warned that travellers choosing unregistered operators would do so at their own risk. Complaints will only be accepted against companies officially approved by the ministry.

Pilgrims have also been directed to make payments through formal banking channels and retain their payment receipts, service contracts and other relevant documents.

The ministry has formed an Umrah Policy Committee to develop and supervise the new regulatory framework. The committee will be chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Representatives from the ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs and Law, along with the Cabinet Division, will also serve on the committee.

The ministry said the new framework would promote accountability, protect pilgrims’ rights and discourage unauthorised companies from providing Umrah services.

Source: ARY News