ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Hajj Mission received an “Excellence Award” during a ceremony at the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to mark the completion of this year’s pilgrimage, officials said on Monday, as Riyadh unveiled a new policy and timeline for Hajj 2026.

The recognition came at the close of the 2025 Hajj, which took place from June 4 to June 9 and drew millions of pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah

Pakistan was among several countries managing large-scale contingents during the annual religious gathering.

“The Excellence Award is a recognition of the outstanding performance by our administrative staff, Hajj assistants and group leaders, as well as the continued support of the government,” said Director

General of Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, who received the award on behalf of the Pakistan Hajj Mission, according to an official statement.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Religious Affairs Secretary Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, and Director of Hajj in Makkah Azizullah Khan were present at the ceremony, held in Makkah.

According to Soomro, Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdul Fattah Mashat also shared the timeline and policy framework for the 2026 pilgrimage season.

“The early release of the Hajj 2026 policy right after this year’s pilgrimage is meant to ensure timely preparations,” he said.

Soomro added under the new guidelines, registration of Hajj operator profiles on the Masar platform would begin from 1st Muharram 1447 Hijri, the beginning of the new Islamic year, allowing companies and national missions to begin logistical planning well in advance.

Saudi Arabia hosts the annual Hajj under an international quota system and collaborates closely with national authorities from Muslim-majority countries to organize travel, accommodation and safety for pilgrims.

Pakistan, with one of the world’s largest Hajj contingents, has traditionally relied on government and private-sector coordination to manage the pilgrimage process.