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The government has introduced a four-year Hajj policy covering arrangements from 2027 to 2030. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf presented the policy on Wednesday. He described it as a major step toward improving and modernising Hajj arrangements in Pakistan. Speaking at a briefing, the minister said this was the first time the government had introduced a four-year Hajj policy. He said the initiative would provide a long-term framework for organising the pilgrimage. Yousaf said the policy had been prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It focuses on technology, transparency and improved services for pilgrims. According to the minister, the new framework aims to bring Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements closer to international standards. It will also introduce several new facilities for pilgrims. For the first time, applicants will have access to a registration and waiting-list system. The government expects the system to make the process more organised and transparent. The minister said the government and private Hajj schemes would retain their existing quota division. Sixty per cent of the quota will remain with the government scheme, while private operators will receive 40 per cent. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue to oversee and regulate Hajj arrangements. It will also monitor the performance of private Hajj companies. Under the new policy, applicants will be able to enter the pilgrims’ list after paying 10 per cent of the required amount. The government has also planned greater transparency in procurement. Purchases made in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be carried out through transparent procedures. Yousaf said any money remaining after meeting the required expenses would be returned to the pilgrims. The measure is aimed at improving financial transparency and protecting the interests of Hajj applicants. The government also plans to change the way private Hajj companies are monitored. Their registration and oversight will not depend only on the quota allocated to them. Instead, their performance will be an important factor in determining their registration and continued participation in the Hajj programme. A digital complaint-resolution system is also being introduced. Pilgrims will be able to submit complaints and seek quick action through the new system. An appeal mechanism will also be established. This will provide pilgrims with another channel to challenge decisions or seek resolution of their complaints. The minister said the government would also improve training programmes for Hajj pilgrims. The aim is to prepare pilgrims more effectively before their departure for Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Muhafiz Scheme will continue under the new policy. The government considers the scheme an important part of its arrangements for pilgrims. Yousaf said the new policy had been developed in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The framework is intended to improve coordination and service delivery during the pilgrimage. The minister said the government’s objective was not limited to managing logistical arrangements. It also wanted to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims received a dignified and comfortable Hajj experience. The estimated cost of the government Hajj package is expected to remain between Rs1.2 million and Rs1.3 million. However, the final cost may depend on various arrangements and expenses associated with the pilgrimage. Yousaf also clarified that any increase or decrease in Pakistan’s Hajj quota would require a decision from the federal cabinet. He said Pakistan had received recognition and awards for its Hajj arrangements in the past. The government now wants to further improve the system through long-term planning and greater use of technology. The four-year policy is expected to provide greater continuity in Hajj preparations. Officials believe the long-term framework will also make planning easier for both the government and pilgrims.

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Friday announced that the provincial government is ready to hold political dialogue with those willing to abandon violence, while making it clear that security operations against armed militant groups will continue until peace is restored. Speaking at the passing-out parade of the Anti-Terrorism Force’s 20th basic training course in Quetta, the chief minister said individuals who surrender and renounce militancy would be given an opportunity to rebuild their lives through a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. Under the government’s reintegration plan, former militants will be offered government employment, educational opportunities for their children and access to healthcare facilities to help them become productive members of society. He said the initiative aims to encourage peaceful participation in the province’s development. However, Bugti warned that those who continue armed activities would face firm action. He said the provincial government, Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, Counter Terrorism Department and Anti-Terrorism Force were working together to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace across Balochistan. Referring to the recent rise in militant attacks, the chief minister acknowledged that the province’s security challenges had intensified in recent years but expressed confidence that ongoing counterterrorism operations would defeat militant groups. Bugti also urged political leaders to avoid linking political disagreements with acts of terrorism. While criticism of the government was part of the democratic process, he said attacks on the country’s security forces should not be justified or politicised. Addressing the newly graduated ATF personnel, the chief minister praised their commitment to national service and described them as guardians responsible for protecting the people and maintaining peace. He added that the government was reviewing measures to further strengthen the professional training of security personnel to meet emerging security challenges. The chief minister also announced Rs150 million for improving the Anti-Terrorism Force training school’s infrastructure and highlighted recent steps taken to enhance benefits and welfare packages for police personnel and the families of martyred officers, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement institutions.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Two police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), were martyred after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police van in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan on Friday, authorities said. According to officials from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), the attack occurred near Shah Alam Mor, where the police team was travelling to conduct an operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of suspected militants in the area. As the police van reached the location, armed assailants launched a sudden attack, firing multiple rounds at the vehicle. The officers immediately returned fire, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire. Despite the retaliation, two police officials, including an ASI, sustained critical injuries and were martyred in the line of duty. Officials said the attackers managed to flee the scene under the cover of the exchange of fire. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the attackers. Investigators are collecting evidence from the scene while intelligence agencies are assisting in identifying those responsible for the assault. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities are treating it as an act of terrorism. The latest incident highlights the persistent security challenges in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where law enforcement personnel have increasingly come under attack during counterterrorism operations. Police officials vowed that those behind the ambush would be brought to justice, reaffirming their commitment to continuing operations against militant groups despite the growing threats. The sacrifice of the fallen officers, they said, reflects the courage and dedication of Pakistan’s security forces in maintaining peace and protecting citizens.