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ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani government delegation took part in the ongoing annual Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah on Wednesday, the religious affairs ministry said, vowing to provide better facilities for pilgrims during next year’s pilgrimage. 

The Pakistani delegation was led by Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman, federal secretary for religious affairs, who met ��������’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah during the fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah. 

The conference is being held from Nov. 9-12 under the theme ‘From Makkah to the World’ and will feature more than 80 sessions and 60 workshops, with participants including academics, researchers, and representatives of Hajj affairs offices and diplomatic missions. 

“A detailed discussion was held with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah on various matters related to preparations for the upcoming Hajj,” the religious affairs ministry said in a statement. 

“During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to providing even better facilities for pilgrims during Hajj 2026,” it added. 

Pakistan and �������� signed the Hajj 2026 agreement last Sunday. Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for next year’s Hajj out of which around 118,000 seats have been allocated to the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators.

Under Pakistan’s Hajj scheme, the estimated cost of the government package ranges from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 [$4,049.93 to $4,236], subject to final agreements with service providers.

Applicants paid an initial installment of Rs500,000 ($1,764) or Rs550,000 ($1,941), depending on the selected package, in August, while the remaining amount will be collected in November.