ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal cabinet on Wednesday reviewed proposals for stricter oversight of private Hajj operators, as authorities separately warned that pilgrims who failed to complete mandatory training would be barred from performing Hajj next year.

The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was briefed on a draft Private Hajj Policy for 2027–2030, which includes third-party registration and scrutiny of private Hajj operator companies, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The Federal Cabinet directed that the draft Private Hajj Policy 2027–2030, presented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony regarding third-party registration and scrutiny of private Hajj operators’ companies, be referred to the Hajj Policy Committee for further deliberation in light of the views of Cabinet members,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement.

The development comes as Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said on Wednesday pilgrims who failed to attend both phases of mandatory Hajj training would not be allowed to perform the pilgrimage.

“Pilgrims who do not complete mandatory Hajj training will be barred from performing Hajj,” the ministry quoted Yousaf as saying during a training workshop in Islamabad.

Around 120,000 pilgrims are currently undergoing training at 200 locations nationwide, with the second phase scheduled to begin after Ramadan. The training aims to familiarize pilgrims with Saudi laws, Hajj rituals and safety protocols to prevent accidents in crowded areas.

Saudi Arabia has allocated 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan for Hajj 2026, including about 118,000 seats under the government scheme, while the remainder will be handled by private tour operators.

Under Pakistan’s government Hajj package, the estimated cost ranges from Rs1.15 million to Rs1.25 million ($4,049.93 to $4,236), subject to final agreements with service providers.