Mahram Affidavit for Pakistani Women Performing Hajj or Umrah (2026)

The mahram affidavit is one of the most-asked-about documents in the Pakistani Hajj / Umrah pipeline. Pakistani women under 45 travelling for pilgrimage with a male relative (father, brother, husband, son) typically need a notarised affidavit documenting that relationship, the joint travel dates, and the joint accommodation arrangements. This page explains what the affidavit must contain, how to prepare it, and the rules as they stand in 2026.

Who needs a mahram affidavit?

Saudi Arabia relaxed the mahram requirement in 2021, permitting women aged 45+ to perform Hajj or Umrah without a mahram in supervised groups. For women under 45, the mahram requirement is still enforced by:

• The Pakistan Government Hajj Scheme (strict)
• Most private Pakistani Hajj Group Operators (HGOs) — some have additional flexibility, especially for adult sisters travelling together
• Saudi MoFA when processing certain visa categories

The affidavit is the formal proof that the male traveller is genuinely a mahram under Islamic and Pakistani legal definitions.

What the affidavit must contain

1. Full legal names of the woman and the mahram, with CNIC numbers
2. The exact nature of the mahram relationship (father / brother / husband / son)
3. Statement that they will travel together, share accommodation appropriately, and the mahram will be responsible for the woman's wellbeing throughout the journey
4. Specific Hajj or Umrah travel dates (departure and return)
5. Statement that the affidavit is being executed voluntarily, in full awareness of its contents
6. Signatures of both parties + signatures of two witnesses (with their CNIC numbers)
7. Date and place of execution
8. Stamp of the Oath Commissioner (notary)

How to execute the affidavit

1. Draft the affidavit (use a standard template — many lawyers and stamp paper vendors provide one)
2. Print on Rs. 50 (PKR 50) stamp paper purchased from the relevant Treasury or stamp vendor
3. Both parties sign in front of the Oath Commissioner
4. Oath Commissioner stamps and registers the affidavit (cost approximately PKR 200-500 in 2026)
5. Retain the original; make at least 3 photocopies (one for the Hajj operator, one for the Saudi-side Mu'allim, one for personal records)

Marriage certificate or birth certificate is also required

The affidavit alone is not enough. You also need documentary proof of the mahram relationship:

• Husband-wife: Original NADRA Computerised Marriage Certificate (NOT just the original Nikah-nama)
• Father-daughter or brother-sister: NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC) or both parties' B-Form showing same father
• Mother-son: Same — FRC or B-Form

Submit photocopies of both the affidavit and the relationship document with the Hajj / Umrah file.

Common pitfalls Pakistani women face

• Submitting only the affidavit without the supporting NADRA documents (file rejected)
• Submitting the original Nikah-nama without the NADRA Computerised Marriage Certificate (Saudi authorities require the latter)
• Affidavit signed but not notarised by an Oath Commissioner (invalid)
• Stamp paper missing or expired stamp duty (invalid)
• Witnesses without CNIC numbers or signatures (invalid)
• Trying to use a non-mahram (cousin, brother-in-law, uncle) — Saudi rules are strict on mahram definitions

What if no mahram is available?

For Hajj specifically, women aged 45+ can travel in officially supervised groups without a mahram (Saudi rule since 2021). Some private Pakistani Hajj operators have established women-only groups under qualified female group leaders for this category. For Umrah, the same 45+ supervised-group rule applies. Women under 45 without a mahram should:

1. Consider waiting until a male family relative can accompany them
2. Explore private operators with established women-only supervised group options for 45+
3. Consult a qualified Islamic scholar for guidance specific to their circumstance

Al Bari Travel handles mahram affidavit coordination and supporting documentation as part of our standard Umrah and Hajj package services for Pakistani families. WhatsApp +92 315 9596161 for a free consultation.