65,000 Pakistanis risk missing Hajj 2025

Senate informed of strict KSA rules for payments

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf informed the Senate on Friday that Saudi Arabia had initially allocated a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan this year, equally divided between government and private sectors.

The minister explained that, as per Saudi government directives, all Hajj operators - public and private - were required to complete payments for accommodations, Tawafa services, and other expenses by February 14, 2025.

Pilgrims registered through companies that met the deadline were successfully enrolled on the Saudi portal, while those linked to late-paying operators lost their quota.

Sardar Yousuf clarified that this issue was not unique to Pakistan, as between 300,000 to 350,000 pilgrims worldwide faced similar challenges.

However, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice, he personally intervened, requesting the Saudi authorities for an extension. As a result, the deadline was extended until February 21, allowing an additional 13,600 Pakistani pilgrims to complete their payments.

Following persistent efforts, the Saudi government granted Pakistan an extra quota of 10,000 pilgrims. Since then, around 23,000 to 25,000 applicants have finalised their payments. So far, approximately 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims have been confirmed for Hajj this year.

The minister assured that the government is actively negotiating on behalf of the remaining 65,000 applicants, and he has personally visited Saudi Arabia twice to follow up, in addition to sending formal appeals.

He dismissed claims of delayed communication with private Hajj companies, stating that they were repeatedly reminded through official correspondence to comply with the Saudi-set deadlines.

The minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to facilitating all eligible pilgrims, saying, "We are seriously engaged with Saudi authorities to find a solution for the remaining applicants."