Senate Committee Examines Hajj Issues for Pakistani Pilgrims

The Senate Sub-Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony convened on Saturday to address the difficulties faced by over 67,000 Pakistani individuals who were unable to fulfill their Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Senator Aon Abbas Buppi led the Senate body meeting, which primarily focused on problems concerning Mashaheer Services.

Pakistan acknowledged last month that it had surrendered more than 63,000 Hajj quota spots, doing so over a week before the commencement of the religious event.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf stated during a press conference on May 23 that thousands of applicants under the private Hajj scheme would be unable to perform the pilgrimage this year.

The religious affairs minister reported that only 25,698 prospective pilgrims would be able to perform Hajj this year, out of a quota of almost 89,605.

The minister added that the Prime Minister has already established a committee to investigate the reasons behind the underutilization of the full quota, promising strong disciplinary measures against those responsible.

Yousuf noted that initially, payments were submitted for only 3,600 applicants by the original deadline of February 14. This deadline was then extended by one week, resulting in the finalization of another 10,600 applications with payments.

However, following the Foreign Minister’s intervention, the Saudi counterpart agreed to allocate a quota of 10,000 in mid-April, setting a deadline of April 18.

He indicated that some private operators claimed they were not informed about the deadline. He clarified, “But in reality, their organization received letters on multiple occasions”.

Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) Chairman Zaeem Akhtar Siddiqui stated earlier that Pakistan’s Hajj policy was announced on November 27, 2024, with public sector applications opening the following day and lasting until March 25.

However, the private sector was only permitted to commence collecting applications from January 14, despite the Saudi system’s deadline being February 21.

Registration for Hajj 2026

Registration is now open for individuals intending to perform Hajj next year.

  • According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, advance registration is mandatory for both government and private Hajj schemes.
  • No registration fee is required.
  • Overseas Pakistanis are also required to register.

Prospective pilgrims can register for Hajj until July 9. Only registered applicants will be eligible for Hajj 2026.

Hajj registration can be completed at 15 designated banks nationwide.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the registration process is being conducted according to directives from the Saudi Arabian government. Saudi Arabia will allocate the Hajj quota based on registration numbers.

Registration will be required for prospective pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj through the private scheme this year, the spokesperson added, noting that pilgrims will be able to choose between private and public Hajj schemes after registration. The official reiterated that the registration is being conducted under the instruction of the Saudi government.

Expenses and other terms and conditions for Hajj 2026 will be announced separately, in accordance with the Hajj policy.