ABBREVIATIONS/TERMS USED

ASA: Air Services Agreement.

ANF: Anti-Narcotics Force

CCP: Competition Commission of Pakistan

CDC Complaint Disposal Committee

CHD: Compulsory Hajj Dues
CNIC: Computerized National Identity Card.

DSR: Daily Situation Report

E-VISA Electronic Visa

EMS: Emergency Management System
EOBI Employees Old age Benefits Institution
ERT: Emergency Response Team
GOP: Government of Pakistan.
Govt.: Government.
HGO: Hajj Group Organizer.
HOAP: Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan.
KSA: Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia.
Mashaair Mina-Muzdalfa-Arafat
Makaatib Service Offices of Moassassah South Asia, Makkah.
MOU: Memorandum of Understanding.
MORA & IH: Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony.
OPAP: Office of Pilgrim Affairs of Pakistan.
PIA: Pakistan International Airline.
PITB: Punjab Information Technology Board.
POD Place of Departure
PPRA: Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.
PMDC: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
PEQ: Personal Exchange Quota.
SECP Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
SR: Saudi Riyal.
SPA: Service Provider Agreement.
SOPs: Standard Operating Procedures.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 2 of 16

 HAJJ POLICY FORMULATION COMMITTEE
As per directions of the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan, in its judgments CA
Nos. 800-L, 801-L and 802-L of 2013 dated 27.08.2013 and CP. No. 1270, 1308, 1309 of
2014 and CMA. No. 4094 of 2014 dated 21.07.2014, the following Hajj Policy Formulation
Committee headed by the Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony was
constituted to formulate and recommend the Hajj Policy & Plan – 2020 for approval of the
cabinet:
1. Secretary, MoRA& IH Chairman
2. Representative of Attorney General of Pakistan Member
3. Representative of M/o Foreign Affairs Member
4. Representative of M/o Law & Justice Member
5. Representative of Competition Commission Member

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 3 of 16

 GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
& INTERFAITH HARMONY
*******

HAJJ POLICY & PLAN – 2020

PART-I

1. INTRODUCTION: -
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory, once in a lifetime, for all
adult Muslims having requisite physical and financial capacity (Sahib-e-Istetaat). The
Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony has been mandated for arrangements of Hajj
under Rules of Business 1973.Althoughtechnological advancement has made Hajj easier in
many ways, yet there are hardships and challenges faced by Hujjaj owing to hot weather and
ever increasing number of pilgrims visiting Makkah Mukkaramah and Madina Munawwara,
cities with finite resources including accommodation, transport and limited space at Mashair
(Mina-Arafaat-Muzdalifa). The Government of Pakistan, being a facilitator, endeavors to
make the Hajj as comfortable as possible within the available financial resources by making
elaborate arrangements, through a transparent process, so that Pakistani pilgrims could
perform their Hajj rituals as enshrined in the Quran and Sunnah.

2. MISSION STATEMENT:
“To serve and facilitate intending pilgrims with commitment and dedication enabling
them to undertake their religious obligations of Hajj with ease and peace of mind.”

3. OBJECTIVE:
The Policy aims to develop plans for efficient arrangements of Hajj 2020 in Pakistan
and Saudi Arabia, through provision of services and logistics which include boarding and
lodging, transportation and health care during Hujjaj’s stay at Makkah Mukkaramah,
Madinah Munawarrah and the Holy Mashaair in line with Saudi Laws and Government of
Pakistan’s policy.

4. HAJJ QUOTA FOR PAKISTAN:

Hajj quota for Pakistan is179, 210 which was fixed in 2011by the Ministry of Hajj&
Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with the ratio of one thousand pilgrims per one
million Muslim inhabitants.

5. INSTRUCTIONS OF THE SAUDI ARABIAN AUTHORITIES:

The following agreements have been signed for the Hajj arrangements 2020:

i. Ministerial level Agreement for Hajj arrangements of Hajj Season-1441H

(2020) between the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony,
Government of Pakistan (GOP) and the Ministry of Hajj Affairs, KSA.
ii. Agreement between Maktab-ul-Vokala Al-Mawahid (United Agents Office),
Jeddah, KSA and Office of Pilgrims Affairs of Pakistan (OPAP), Government
of Pakistan.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 4 of 16

 iii. General transport contract between Naqabah Siyarat (General Transport
Syndicate), KSA and Office of Pilgrims Affairs of Pakistan (OPAP),
Government of Pakistan.
iv. Agreement on provision of additional services between Moassassah
Muttawify Hujjaj South Asia, Makkah Mukkaramah, KSA and Office of
Pilgrims Affairs of Pakistan (OPAP), Government of Pakistan.
v. Agreement on arrangements and requirements of Hujjaj for Hajj between
National Adillah Establishment, Madinah Munawarrah, KSA and Office of
Pilgrims Affairs of Pakistan (OPAP), Government of Pakistan.

6. STEPS TAKEN DURING REVIEW OF POLICY:

i. De-briefing session with Director General (Hajj) and other officers deputed on
Hajj duty 2019.
ii. Consultative workshops at Federal & Provincial levels with Hujjaj of
Government as well as Private Hajj Scheme for their feedback and policy
recommendations.
iii. Review of Feedback forms filled by Hujjaj.
iv. Five meetings of Hajj Policy Formulation Committee held to deliberate the
Hajj Policy.

7. HAJJ SCHEME
i. There shall be no provision for free Hajj.
ii. There shall be two schemes i.e. “Government Hajj Scheme” for those who
intend to perform Hajj under Government arrangements and “Private Hajj
Scheme” for those who want to make their Hajj arrangements through Hajj
Group Organizers (HGOs), in accordance with Service Provider Agreement
between Ministry and HGOs and individual agreement of the intending Haji
with the HGO.
iii. The ratio for allocation of all the available Hajj quota to Government and
Private Hajj Scheme would be 60:40 i.e 107,526 (Government) and 71,684
(Private). In case the Saudi Government allocate the additional Hajj quota the
same will also be distributed with the ratio of 60:40.
iv. All the applicants intending to perform Hajj under Government Hajj Scheme
will be called to submit their applications alongwith Hajj dues in designated
banks.
v. Selection of Hujjaj will be made through computerized balloting.
vi. Under the Government Hajj Scheme shared accommodation in accordance
with Saudi Laws and Housing Permits (Tasreeh and Tasneef) shall be
provided along-with boarding and lodging services.
vii. Shuttle transport will be provided to pilgrims under Government Hajj scheme
accommodated beyond two kilometers, except three days before and three
days after Hajj (i.e. no bus service from the afternoon of 5thDhulhijjah till
Maghrib Prayers of 14thDhulhijjah is allowed as per Saudi Policy guidelines).
viii. Duration of stay in KSA will be 35-45 days. However, it may vary as per
schedule provided by airlines duly approved by GACA (KSA) and CAA
(Pakistan).
ix. An additional amount of Rs.22,825 non-refundable, would be charged from
the pilgrims, who opt for Qurbani arrangements through Office of Pilgrim

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 5 of 16

 Affairs of Pakistan (OPAP). Those who do not avail of this option will make
their own arrangements.
x. Out of the total Govt. Hajjquota1.5% would be reserved for the hardship cases
which includes broken family, newly born infant cases and attendants/helpers
of senior citizen above the age of 70 years /special persons. The Ministry will
utilize hardship cases on the basis of merit.
xi. Out of Government Hajj quota, 500 seats shall be reserved for low paid
employees/labours of Public sector/corporate organizations, companies
registered with EOBI/ Workers Welfare Fund.
xii. 10,000 seats would be reserved for senior citizens above the age of 70 years
(born on or before January 1, 1950) including their mehram and helper. If
applications received are more than the reserved seats then selection would be
made on the basis of age-wise seniority. Female pilgrims (senior citizens) may
be accompanied by female helper alongwith their joint mehram while male
aged pilgrims may be accompanied by one helper.
xiii. All those persons who have been unsuccessful in balloting of last three
consecutive years i.e. 2017, 2018 & 2019 shall be declared successful
provided they have not performed Hajj under Private Hajj Scheme in the
preceding three years.
xiv. A quota of 1,000 seats shall be reserved for overseas Pakistanis. Normal
condition of Hajj Policy shall apply for selecting overseas Hujjaj under this
scheme.
xv. Unutilized quota of any category will be utilized through general balloting.

8. MANDATORY CONDITIONS FOR HUJAJJ:

Mandatory conditions for intending applicants are as under:
i. International Machine Readable Pakistani Passport valid up-to
1st February, 2021with valid CNIC.
ii. Medical fitness certificate issued by a Medical Officer of any Government
Hospital or medical institutes of the Federal / Provincial or Local Government
/Armed Forces, semi-government organization / Autonomous body /
Corporation. Lunatics, mentally unstable and chronically ill persons will not
be allowed.
iii. In case, the intending pilgrims fail to provide medical fitness certificate or his
health status is discovered contrary to the medical certification, his nominee
will solely be responsible for any mishap in KSA and Ministry reserves the
right to cancel his selection for Hajj or repatriation from KSA. Strict
disciplinary action shall be taken against the delinquent medical officers
through the relevant authorities.
iv. It would be mandatory for female pilgrim of any age to be accompanied by a
mehram. However, in case of Fiqah Jafria pilgrim, mandatory condition of
mehram shall be implemented in the light of Saudi instructions wherein
female of 45 years and above are exempted from mehram.
v. All male pilgrims selected on the seats reserved for senior citizens should be
preferably accompanied by an eligible male attendant/family member.
vi. Special citizens /disabled applicants are required to be accompanied by a male
attendant for male and female attendant for female (alongwith joint mehram)
to proceed for Hajj, irrespective of their age.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 6 of 16

 vii. Replacement of dropout cases will only be allowed only in case of death,
disease or any other genuine reason. The successful Hujjaj can only be
replaced by family members (father, mother, husband, wife, sister, brother,
son, daughter, grandson and granddaughter etc.) or mehram/attendant of lady
by her another mehram/attendant on provision of documentary evidence.
viii. Such applicants who have been barred from travelling abroad by any
Court/placed on ECL are not entitled to proceed for Hajj.
ix. As per Saudi Instructions, vaccination against meningitis and seasonal flu
would be ensured before departure to KSA. Moreover, polio vaccination is
also mandatory for all international passengers before their departure.
Arrangements will be made by the Ministry at the respective Haji camps and
airports.
x. Those applicants including Hajj-e-Badal / Nafal Hajj would be entertained
who have not performed Hajj under Government scheme for the last 5 years
i.e since Hajj-2015 and on ward. This restriction will not apply to mehram of a
lady. In this regard, the repeater(s) including mehram will have to pay the
additional taxes levied, if any, by the Saudi Authorities prior to their departure
for Hajj.
xi. In the event of a pilgrim’s demise during his/her stay in KSA, whether natural
or accidental, he or she would be buried in Saudi Arabia as per Saudi
Instructions.
xii. The Director General (Hajj), Jeddah will form monitoring teams for inspection
of accommodation and catering & transport arrangements etc. of Hujjaj of
Government Hajj Scheme.
xiii. All the Hujjaj are required to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the
host country during their stay in KSA.
xiv. Any activity on the part of a pilgrim contrary to laws/ regulations of Saudi
Arabia like begging, political and immoral practices, drug trafficking, theft,
etc. shall disqualify the offender for future visit of any kind to KSA by the
Government of Pakistan, in addition to any other legal action taken by Saudi
authorities. Moreover, as per Saudi laws, “Drug Trafficking” is banned and in
case of violation, perpetrators can be thrown in jail, lashed, or even publically
executed/beheaded.
xv. The Hujjaj should carry their luggage in the standard bags according to the
notified baggage sizes as per airlines’ instructions (printed on air-ticket). In
case of failure to comply with the same, neither the Government of Pakistan
nor the airline in question would be obliged to carry the luggage of the Haji.
xvi. All the Hujjaj under the Government Scheme will be provided five (05) liters
of Zamzam in KSA or on their return to Pakistan at the specified airports by
the designated airlines.
xvii. All Hujjaj are required to move to “Jamarat” in groups and in accordance with
the time specified for their Rammi (stoning) movement according to the Saudi
Instructions to be informed by their respective “Makaatib”.
xviii. Comprehensive Hajj Training sessions regarding Hajj would be conducted
which shall be mandatory for every successful applicant.
xix. It would be advisable for every pilgrim to carry minimum SR. 2000 to meet
personal expenditure in KSA.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 7 of 16

 PART-II
(GOVERNMENT HAJJ SCHEME)

9. ACCOMMODATION AT MAKKAH MUKKARAMAH AND MADINA

MUNAWWARAH:

As per previous practice, shared accommodation at Makkah Mukkaramah (Azizia &

Batha Quresh etc.) will be offered alongwith board and lodging services to the pilgrims
including transport facilities for movement to and back from Haram Sharif. In
Madinah Munawarrah, efforts will be made to accommodate 100% pilgrims near Masjid-i-
Nabvi (Markazia), alongwith board. However those accommodated more than 1 kilometer
away will be provided transport.

10. GUIDELINES FOR HIRING OF ACCOMMODATION:

The following guidelines for hiring of accommodation will be adhered to:
i. The Hiring Committee, notified by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and
Interfaith Harmony, will hire buildings as per spirit and guidelines contained
in PPRA rules, through a transparent bidding process and determination of
rent and will be based on distance, quality and services etc.
ii. The OPAP/Committee should issue a certificate to the effect that the
accommodation recommended and hired by the Committee has the necessary
facilities like proper beds and mattresses, adequate number of lifts, clean
washrooms, provision of washing machines, kitchen facility, spacious dining
halls, prayer areas for male and female, Wi-Fi/internet facility, one attendant
alongwith telephone facility, refrigerator, sufficient number of water
dispensers and other requisite services.
iii. The rent of the building, irrespective of the upper rental ceiling, should be
competitive, prudent and as per prevailing market price.
iv. The OPAP should make available the standard hiring agreements (in English
version) concluded with the Mustajir at reception in the respective building for
information of the Hujjaj on demand.
v. The Hiring Committee will furnish hiring agreements in English version to the
Ministry soon after concluding hiring process for record and information/
audit purposes.
vi. As per Saudi Instructions, 1% of total accommodation under both the
Government and Private Hajj schemes shall be arranged and kept in reserve to
meet any emergency by the Pakistan Hajj Office and the HGOs respectively.
vii. Accommodation will be provided on shared basis and no refund shall be made
to Hujjaj for not availing accommodation hired as part of the package under
Government Hajj scheme.
viii. Soon after Hajj 2020operation, MORA&IH shall start the process for hiring of
buildings, arranging good quality transport and engaging caterers to ensure
availability of quality services at competitive / affordable rates, for Hajj 2021.

11. PROVISION OF FOOD TO THE HUJJAJ

Freshly cooked food of Pakistani taste would be provided three times a day to the
pilgrims of Government Hajj scheme during their stay in Makkah Mukkaramah,
Madinah Munawarrah through authorized catering companies and in Mashaair by respective
Makaatib.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 8 of 16

 12. HAJJ DUES:

The Hajj packages of Government Hajj Scheme for Hajj 2020 will be as under:
North Region South Region
Hajj Package
(Other Stations) (Karachi, Quetta &Sukkur)
Hajj Package without
Rs. 463,445 Rs.455,695
Qurbani:
Hajj Package including
Rs. 486,270 Rs.478,520
Qurbani:(optional)
Note:-1 SR = Rs. 41.50

13. AIR TRAVELING

i. The Saudi Authorities would be requested to extend the facility under “Road
to Makkah” Project to Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar & Quetta airports in
addition to Islamabad airport.
ii. In pursuance of the Revised Air Service Agreement (ASA) between
Government of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed in 2011, Hujjaj
of the Government Scheme would be airlifted by the designated airlines.
iii. Efforts will be made for transportation of fifty percent (50%) of Government
Scheme Hujjaj directly to Madinah Munawarrah and Jeddah from Pakistan
and vice versa.
iv. Hajj Flight Schedule by authorized airlines shall be prepared in consultation
with the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony.
v. Hajj flights for Govt. Hajj Scheme will operate from Islamabad, Karachi,
Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Sialkot, Multan, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan and
Sukkur gateways.
vi. Place of Departure (POD) wise air load from major airports shall be
distributed between PIA and Saudi airline. The air load from smaller PODs
shall be distributed amongst the airlines which provide services from those
airports.
vii. No claim of refund against unutilized air ticket would be entertained by the
Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony.

14. TRAIN/BUS FACILTY IN MASHAAIR:

As per Saudi arrangements, train facility in Mashaair is available to a limited number
of Hujjaj of Government Hajj scheme. In case of non-availability of train facility, buses will
be provided to Hujjaj for transportation in Mashaair, by Naqaba-Al-Sayyarat.
PART – III
15. PRIVATEHAJJ SCHEME:
The Government of Pakistan’s policy of engaging Private Sector covers various areas
including management, logistics and welfare services to Hujjaj. The policy aims to
supplement the efforts of the Government by involving private sector. As a matter of policy,
Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony has proactively encouraged the private
sector for Hajj Management since 2005.As usual, the Ministry of Religious Affairs &
Interfaith Harmony would sign a Service Provider Agreement with each HGO to ensure the
provision of better services to the entire satisfaction of Hujjaj performing Hajj through
private sector, under strict monitoring regime.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 9 of 16

 16. ALLOCATION OF QUOTA:
i. For Hajj– 2020the ratio of quota to be allocated to Private Hajj Scheme would
be 40%(71,684).The allocation of Hajj quota to the Private Sector shall be
made in a transparent manner in accordance with Supreme Court Decision in
Dossani Case. Two percent (2%) Hajj quota out of share of Private sector,
including quota accrued due to abolishing / deducting quota of Hajj
Companies for unsatisfactory performance in Hajj Operation 2019, shall be
allocated to new enrolled hajj companies on merit. In case KSA authorities
allocates additional quota, then 2% quota from Private sector shall not be
deducted. The additional quota so received shall first be distributed between
Government and Private Sector at ratio of 60:40 and additional Private
Sector’s share shall be distributed among new enrolled companies on merit.
ii. HGOs, with good performance and satisfactory arrangements during previous
Hajj and with no complaints pending against them either in Pakistan or
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be allowed to take part in Hajj Operation
subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Ministry.
However, any HGO blacklisted by Saudi Government will not be entitled for
Operation in Hajj– 2020. Further any HGO blacklisted/barred by the Ministry
on account of its adverse performance or due to any other reasons will also not
be entitled for Operation until its clearance. Moreover, the quota of 1225
seats, out of Private Hajj Scheme, will be reserved for Pakistan armed forces.
iii. The allocation of quota to HGOs, whose complaints are pending, will be
finalized in the light of decision of Complaint Disposal Committee (CDC) and
Appellate Committee as per prescribed procedure.
iv. If any HGO or its management is found involved in a process whereby it is not
organizing its own Hajj Operation but is shifting or receiving its pilgrims
to/from another HGO or organizing Hajj arrangements through any other
individual agents / company / HGO, it shall be deemed to have contravened a
basic stipulation and shall be permanently banned/ debarred from Hajj
business.

17. GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR HGOs:

i. All the HGOs and its management are required to treat the Hujjaj with respect/
dignity and provide them all the agreed facilities/ services during Hajj – 2020
failing which they will be liable for proceeding against as per SPA/ SOPs of
the Ministry.
ii. Compulsory Hajj Dues including transportation charges, Maktab fee, Mina
charges, etc. shall be deposited by all the HGOs directly through their
International Banking Account Number (IBAN). However, the proof of
deposit of Compulsory Hajj Dues shall be uploaded on Ministry’s website.
Further, payment for Hujjaj Muhafiz Scheme, arrival snacks and Service
Charges shall be deposited with Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith
Harmony.
iii. Each HGO is required to submit performance guarantee @ 05%in case of
existing HGO and @ 10% in case of new HGOs, of the packages (package x
quota) in the form of Bank/Cash Guarantee, valid for one year, liable to be
released on satisfactory performance. Detailed instructions will be
incorporated in Service Provider Agreement (SPA) with HGOs.
iv. The cheques on accounts of compulsory Hajj dues and Performance Guarantee
received from Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) will be deposited in Ministry’s
account.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 10 of 16

 v. At the same time, each HGO will also enter into a separate agreement with
individual Haji as per previous practice. In case of any dispute between the
service provider and the Haji/Hujjaj, the Ministry will act as sole arbitrator
and decision of the Ministry will be deemed as final.
vi. Each HGO shall also provide item-wise detailed cost break up of their package
to the Ministry. The Hajj Packages of the Private Sector will be regulated by
the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to ensure economy
and value for money.
vii. All the HGOs are bound to intimate to their Hujjaj and the Ministry, the name
of airline through which they will be airlifted to KSA and vice versa.
viii. Each HGO will strictly abide by the instructions/guidelines/SOPs/SPA issued
by the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony, Government of
Pakistan and Ministry of Hajj, KSA, from time to time.

18. MONITORING OF HGOs

i. Monitoring and supervision mechanism for Hajj Operation in Pakistan and
KSA shall be strengthened to check/review the performance of HGOs
Schemes, in accordance with the contractual obligations and Saudi
Instructions. In addition, proforma based feedback, will be obtained from
pilgrims.
ii. Director Monitoring and his team placed in KSA during Hajj Operation will
visit Hujjaj of each HGO and obtain their first hand feedback.
iii. The complaints against HGOs will be submitted to the Complaint Disposal
Committee (CDC) in KSA.
iv. The CDC KSA will be responsible to resolve minor complaints against the
HGOs. Those Complaints which could not be settled in KSA will be referred
to CDC in Pakistan.
v. The Secretary’s Inspection Team would monitor the performance of Hajj
operations to improve the quality of services.
vi. Appeals against the decision of CDC KSA and CDC Pakistan will be heard by
the Appellate Committee in Pakistan.

19. VISA AFFIXATION:

The Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony shall arrange visas for the
Hujjaj under Government Scheme while the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP)
would handle visa affairs concerning Saudi Embassy in Islamabad and Karachi in
coordination with the Ministry. They would be liable to face legal action for any distress/loss/
damage caused to the Hujjaj on account of visa affixation by them. Detailed SOPs would be
issued by the Ministry separately.

20. HUJJAJ COMPENSATION FUND (HCF):

Special Fund named as “Hujjaj Compensation Fund (HCF)”, already established
under the Hajj policy 2010 by the Hajj Group Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP),
will be utilized to rescue victim of any fraud committed by any member HGO.
i. HOAP may place the deposit under HCF in any of the nationally scheduled
banks.
ii. The original amount plus interest shall remain un-utilized except for the purpose
for which HCF was created.
iii. The instructions/guidelines shall be prepared by this Ministry in consultation
with HOAP and shall be issued within due course of time for regulating the
affairs of HCF which shall be binding on all HGOs.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 11 of 16

 PART-IV
21. WELFARE SERVICES FOR HUJJAJ:
i. To facilitate the Hujjaj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith
Harmony will make necessary arrangements for welfare services which
include health services, information, facilitation, safety measures, boarding,
lodging and transportation etc. The staff will be deputed to KSA for welfare
services on service visa provided by KSA@ 1 against 100 Hujjaj. Most of
them will be Government servants of different grades up-to BS-21. They will
be bound to provide NOC/recommendation of competent authority of his/her
department/Ministry to join Hajj duty.
ii. For this purpose following categories of welfare staff contingents during
Hajj –2020shall be deployed in Pakistan and KSA.
iii. Welfare Staff-Ministry
iv. Welfare Staff-Medical
v. Welfare Staff-Moavineen(Pakistan based)
vi. Welfare Staff-Muavineen(KSA based)
vii. Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) and job description for each category of
welfare service/activity will be notified by the Ministry in consultation with all
stakeholders to ensure responsibility and accountability.
viii. The welfare staff of various categories would be drawn from Armed forces,
Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, other Federal
Ministries / Provincial Departments and Organizations etc.
ix. Actual strength of welfare staff shall be determined by the Ministry in view of
actual requirement and availability of resources.
x. The welfare staff will be selected after proper scrutiny and their clearance.
xi. The Hajj Operation will be carried out under the administration of Director
General (Hajj). However, all the activities will be supervised by the Minister /
Secretary RA & IH alongwith their monitoring and inspection team.

22. WELFARE STAFF- MEDICAL:

The members of Welfare Staff-Medical will be selected on the following criteria:-
i. One doctor for 1000 pilgrims.
ii. Two paramedics against 1 doctor.
iii. The officer/staff of Welfare Staff-Medical shall be drawn from Pakistan
Armed Forces and Federal/Provincial Health Services Departments.
iv. Upto10%repeaters would be allowed provided the repeaters have not
performed Hajj duty for more than five terms.
v. The selection of officers/staff would be finalized by the Ministry after proper
scrutiny.
vi. The criteria, duties, TORs and break-up of Welfare Staff-Medical will be
issued separately by the Ministry.

23. WELFARE STAFF-MOAVINEEN (PAKISTAN BASED):

The Welfare Staff-Moavineen will be deputed to KSA as per following details:

i. The proposed contingent of Welfare Staff-Moavineen would be nominated by

the Federal Ministries /Departments /Provincial Governments, Armed forces,
Police, Civil Defense, Scouts and other public sector organizations for final
selection / approval by committee of the Ministry.

Hajj Policy & Plan-2020 Page 12 of 16

 ii.
Director, Welfare Staff-Moavineen, of the rank of an officer of BS-20/21,
would be responsible for overall supervision and management of Welfare
Staff-Moavineen.
iii. The Welfare Staff-Moavineen shall not be deputed for more than five terms
except the Director Welfare Staff-Moavineen. Upto 20% repeaters may be
allowed, to guide and supervise those who will be performing duties for the
first time.
iv. A Core Team comprising of 50 moavineen will be selected on the
recommendations of Director (A&T).
The criteria, duties, TORs and break-up of Welfare Staff-Moavineen will be issued
separately by the Ministry.

24. WELFARE STAFF- KSA BASED

Most of the pilgrims do not have any orientation of Makkah Mukkaramah and
Madinah Munawwarah and have a genuine expectation for appropriate facilitation, guidance
and information. The experience has revealed that the welfare staff, who can communicate in
Arabic language with Saudi agencies / personnel are more useful for providing such services
to Hujjaj. The OPAP would, as per previous practice, hire Welfare Staff- KSA (Pakistani
origin) as per its requirement and in line with the Saudi Taleemat (instructions) and in
consultation with the Ministry.

25. WELFARE STAFF-MINISTRY:

Ministry shall depute staff for performing welfare and administrative duties in main
control rooms at Makkah Mukkaramah and Madinah Munawarrah, Madinah Departure Cell,
monitoring of Hajj Operation, Lost & Found Cell, hajj terminals (Jeddah & Madina)
establishing field office at Mina for Mashaair services and coordination cell with airlines for
issuance and change of tickets and other Hajj related duties. Appropriate number of Welfare
Staff from this Ministry including allied staff would be deputed to KSA as per requirement
of the Ministry.

26. PROVISION OF SERVICE VISAS:

Service Visas may include the following categories:

i. All categories of welfare staff whose services are requisitioned for Hajj duty.
ii. Representatives of HGOs, airlines, banks and other organizations who
facilitate the Ministry in Hajj Operation. However, their expenses will not be
borne by the Ministry.

27. INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

The Ministry shall launch an appropriate awareness campaign, implying all channels
of communication to provide information, education, awareness and training to the intending
pilgrims. The training material would be available on the website of the Ministry. Training
would also be imparted to the intending Hujjaj on local basis at District and Tehsil level with
partnership of Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP).Moreover, Hajj guide book in
Urdu as well as Hajj awareness documentary (CD), to be prepared by MORA & IH, will be
provided to all pilgrims. Training sessions would be ensured not only for Hujjaj but for the
welfare staff as well focusing on their skills, motivation and crowd management.
Transparency/authenticity in issuance of Medical fitness certificate to intending pilgrims will
be ensured. Special efforts will be made to further improve the contents/modules in the
awareness/training programs by covering following aspects:

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 • Manasik-i- Hajj
• Administrative and logistic arrangements
• Civil Defense
• Medical guidelines
• Guidelines regarding personal hygiene, cleanliness and Solid waste disposal
• Repeater moavineen will be associated with training to highlight the
administrative side of Hajj Operation.
• Saudi Laws
• Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

28. HUJJAJ MOHAFIZ SCHEME:

The Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony (MORA & IH) would
continue the Hujjaj Muhafiz Scheme, launched in 2011 for risk management under the
concept of “Takaful” to compensate the affected Hujjaj/nominee of the deceased Hujjaj in
Hajj – 2020. Each Haji/member of Welfare staff would be required to contribute a non-
refundable amount of Rs. 500/- into the scheme. The said Scheme would compensate
Hujjaj/welfare staff against the following losses:
Sr.
Description Amount
No.
i. Death during Hajj in KSA. Rs. 500,000
ii. Emergency evacuation without performance of Hajj due to illness. Rs. 300,000
iii. Accidents resulting in permanent disablement of more than one limb. Rs. 250,000
iv. Accidental disablement resulting loss of one limb. Rs. 150,000
29. INVOLVEMENT OF KSA BASED PAKISTANI COMMUNITY
INHAJJOPERATION:
As per past practice, Director General (Hajj), Jeddah will make endeavors to involve
KSA based Pakistani Community in Hajj Operation to render free of cost services to the
Hujjaj, both in Makkah Mukkaramah, Mashaair and Madinah Munawwarah. The Pakistani
community shall be encouraged to provide these services on voluntary basis and with the
spirit of extending assistance to their Pakistani brethren.
30. IDENTIFICATION:
As per injunction of Islam, the requirement of “Abaya” is a part of “Female Ehram”.
Therefore, every female performing Hajj under Government and Private scheme shall carry at
least two “Abayas” (with Pakistan flag affixed on it). All the female pilgrims shall ensure that
they would wear “Abaya” on departure to Saudi Arabia till return. All Hujjaj under
Government and Private Schemes must wear identification locket/bracelet all the times
during their stay in KSA.
31. BAGGAGE:
i. Pakistani pilgrims should carry with them a specified bag and hand carry.
ii. The Hujjaj shall ensure that their hand carry baggage should not exceed the
weight and dimensions specified by the airlines (No loose baggage will be
allowed).
iii. Pilgrims should ensure that their luggage is fully labeled and wrapped, showing
the Pilgrim’s Name, Nationality, Passport Number, contact number, Air Carrier,
Building and Flight Numbers.
iv. Madinah Munawwarah buildings will be indicated only on Road to Makkah
Flights landing at Madinah Airport.
v. The Hujjaj should not carry any luggage to Jamarat and Haram Sharif. The
Ministry will not be responsible for leftover/excess baggage.

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 32. GENERAL:

i. Implementation of this policy shall be the joint responsibility of the Ministry

and all other stakeholders.
ii. Interpretation of any clause or the terms of the Hajj Policy by the Ministry
shall be considered as final.
iii. The Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony may make suitable
adjustments in order to bring the policy and plan in conformity with Saudi
Government’s orders/instructions and to meet the exigencies of Hajj
Operation.

33. HAJJ MONITORING SYSTEM:

i. The Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony will make arrangements to
launch an updated electronic monitoring system for Hajj– 2020.The system will have
an in-built mechanism of transferring the un-resolved complaints to the next tier of
management for taking appropriate measures. A Daily Situation Report (DSR) will be
generated for the information of senior management. The salient features of the
system are as follows:-
a. Hajj help line for responding to inquiries, complaints, etc.
b. Android application named “Pak Hajj Moavin” and “Pak Hajj Guide”
Mobile SMS service for information dissemination.
c. Android application for complaint registration.
d. On-line complaint registration portal.
e. Hajj monitoring system along with a dash board for official supervisions.
ii. Further, the Hajj Group Organizers-Management Information System (HGO-MIS)
would be updated and strengthened and more modules will be added in it on the basis
of experience gained in previous Hajj Operations.

34. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) FOR HAJJ– 2020.

To cope with any kind of emergency, the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith
Harmony will setup an Emergency Management system. Emergency Response Team (ERT)
will have the following composition:-
Head of the ERT
i. Director General(Hajj), Office of Pilgrims Affairs of Pakistan

ii. Director Welfare Staff Moavineen, or his Second in Command Member

iii. Director Welfare Staff-Medical or his Second in Command. Member

Director Facilitation &Coordination (F&C) or his Second in
iv. Member
Command
v. Representative of Ambassador of Pakistan in KSA Member

vi. Representative of Hajj Group Organizers Association of Pakistan Member

The detailed SOPs/guidelines of EMS will be issued by the Ministry (OPAP) separately in
consultation with the Saudi Authorities.

35. NEW INITIATIVES

The Ministry endeavors to introduce following new initiatives for Hajj– 2020: -
i. The Hajj Application Form has been revised to make more brief and simple.
ii. Efforts shall be made to improve in operation of Pilgrims Welfare Fund (PWF) in
professional and efficient manners.

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 iii. Discussion is underway with KSA authorities to extend facility of “Road to
Makkah” project to Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta Airports in addition to
Islamabad airport.
iv. Training of Hujjaj is being outsourced to IT companies.
v. A quota of 1,000 seats shall be reserved for overseas Pakistanis. Normal conditions of
Hajj Policy shall apply for selecting overseas Hujjaj under this scheme.
vi. The age limit for senior citizen has been reduced from 80 to 70 years.
vii. Rapid Response Committee (RRC) / Joint Core Committee (JCC) comprising officials
from Pakistan Hajj Mission and Saudi Authorities shall be established to resolve
issues faced by Hujjaj at Mashair during Hajj days.
viii. Etimad centers for Biometric would be increased in Pakistan from 29 to 35 including
mobile units.
ix. Temporary Haji camps shall be established at Gilgit Baltistan and Hujjaj will be
transported from Gilgit Baltistan to Islamabad airport by Ministry of RA & IH.

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