Cabinet approves four-year Hajj policy as PM vows to eliminate terrorism

Cabinet approves four-year Hajj policy as PM vows to eliminate terrorism

Railways revenue tops Rs115 billion, healthcare outsourcing approved; PM says Türkiye visit to boost investment and economic cooperation

ISLAMABAD, July 7: The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved Pakistan’s first-ever four-year Hajj Policy and Plan 2027-2030, while Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism, saying security forces were continuing successful operations across the country.

Chairing the cabinet meeting, the prime minister paid tribute to martyred PAF Group Captain Asim Tariq and said those responsible for his killing had been arrested and would be brought to justice.

The cabinet approved the new Hajj policy aimed at long-term planning, digitalising Hajj operations, introducing a Shariah-compliant Hajj savings scheme and improving facilities for pilgrims. It also directed transparent, merit-based appointment of Hajj assistants and third-party validation of public and private Hajj arrangements.

The cabinet also approved the outsourcing policy for Islamabad’s Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre (IHITC) and Regional Blood Centre (RBC) to improve healthcare services.

During the meeting, the cabinet was informed that Pakistan Railways’ revenue had exceeded Rs115 billion in 2025-26, marking a 24.19 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. The cabinet appreciated the performance of the Ministry of Railways and also ratified recent decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).

The prime minister also briefed the cabinet on his recent visit to Türkiye, expressing confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.