Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Thursday said the recently approved Hajj and Umrah (Regulation) Act 2024 would be strictly enforced to ensure that no one misuses the sacred pilgrimage, including sending beggars under the guise of pilgrims.
Addressing the pre-launch ceremony of the third Pakistan Hajj and Umrah Exhibition 2025, the minister recalled that in the past some individuals had misused religious travel by resorting to begging in Saudi Arabia, which tarnished the country's reputation. "This will no longer be tolerated," he asserted.
Yousaf stressed that pilgrims serve as ambassadors of Pakistan and must strictly observe Saudi laws while fulfilling their religious duties. "Hajj is both a physical and financial act of worship, not a recreational or business trip," he remarked.
Reflecting on his 2013-2018 tenure, the minister said major reforms were introduced, including the abolition of multiple Hajj categories in favour of a single transparent scheme, which helped address numerous complaints. He added that five Hajj operations were successfully conducted under his leadership.
The minister said in line with Islamic financial principles, the ministry had earlier decided to deposit pilgrims' funds in a Shariah-compliant account after consulting renowned scholar Maulana Taqi Usmani.
He said the federal cabinet had already approved the Hajj 2026 policy, allocating 70 per cent quota to the government scheme and 30 per cent to the private scheme.
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