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PM Shehbaz approves four-year Hajj policy, orders transparent appointments, digital reforms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday approved Pakistan’s first-ever four-year Hajj Policy and Plan (2027-2030), directing authorities to ensure transparent, merit-based appointments of Hajj assistants and third-party validation of both government and private Hajj operations to improve services for pilgrims.

The prime minister while chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet here, endorsed the long-term Hajj framework aimed at improving planning, operational efficiency and facilities for intending pilgrims. The cabinet also commended Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and his team for what it described as the successful management of Hajj arrangements this year, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.

The cabinet was informed that, unlike previous annual policies, the new framework provides a four-year roadmap to facilitate long-term planning. Standard operating procedures and other regulations will be developed for its implementation, while amendments will be made whenever necessary to ensure compatibility with Saudi laws and regulations.

Under the approved policy, intending pilgrims will be able to register once for any Hajj season up to 2030 instead of undergoing annual registration, enabling the preparation of a priority waiting list. A Shariah-compliant Hajj savings scheme will also be introduced to help citizens plan financially for future pilgrimages.

The prime minister was informed that the entire Hajj management system, including payments, complaints handling and monitoring, would be digitised to enhance transparency and efficiency.

The policy also provides separate quotas for government and private Hajj schemes, introduces both long and short Hajj packages, and includes mandatory pilgrim training, Takaful coverage and emergency response arrangements.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the appointment of Hajj assistants be carried out through a transparent and strictly merit-based process. He also instructed authorities to ensure independent third-party validation of services provided under both the public and private Hajj schemes.

The cabinet also approved a policy for outsourcing the services of the Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre (IHITC) and the Regional Blood Centre (RBC) in Islamabad to improve the delivery of quality healthcare services. The Ministry of National Health Services was directed to complete the outsourcing process in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.

The cabinet also reviewed the performance of Pakistan Railways during a briefing by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi.

Members were informed that railway revenues had increased from Rs95 billion in 2024-25 to more than Rs115 billion in 2025-26, reflecting a growth of 24.19 percent.

The briefing highlighted an increase of over Rs8 billion in freight revenue, more than Rs7 billion in other income, over Rs6 billion in property and land revenue, while passenger revenue also registered a 3.37 percent increase. Improved railway operations and freight movement were cited as key contributors to the growth.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the cabinet appreciated the performance of Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and his team for improving the department’s financial and operational performance.

The federal cabinet also ratified the decisions taken during the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) meeting held on May 19, 2026, and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting held on July 2, 2026.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.