Pakistani Pilgrims Await Hajj 2025 Arrangements Amid Quota Concerns

ISLAMABAD: The Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, affirmed on Monday that Pakistani pilgrims can anticipate exceptional facilities for the upcoming Hajj. However, he did not provide a definitive answer regarding the status of the 67,000 unutilized quota spots under the private Hajj scheme.

During his address at the National Hajj Conference 2025, organized by the Pakistan Ulema Council, the minister clarified that the Hajj policy established by Saudi Arabia is consistently implemented across all nations. He noted, “Should the Saudi government grant any leeway to other countries, the remaining applicants from our nation will also be afforded the chance to undertake Hajj.”

He further stated, “Pakistani pilgrims will be duly considered if any flexibility is extended to other countries concerning the extension of the stipulated deadline.”

Sardar Yousuf acknowledged the concerted efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, along with his own and Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi’s involvement, in persuading the Saudi government to accommodate an additional 10,000 Pakistani pilgrims following the February 14 deadline.

He clarified that the overall quota for Pakistan remains capped at 179,210. He specified that initially, Saudi authorities proposed a quota of 102,000, but through dedicated efforts, an additional 10,000 slots were secured.

He provided assurance that applicants unable to perform Hajj will receive a refund for the payments made in advance to Hajj operators for securing accommodations in Makkah, Madina, and Mina.

Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi and numerous private Hajj organizers were present at the conference. Hafiz Tahir acknowledged the unfortunate reality that Pakistan’s 67,000 Hajj quota had lapsed, marking a first in the nation’s history.

He noted that the prime minister has formed a committee to investigate the reasons behind this oversight.

He urged the prime minister to take decisive action against those responsible for dashing the hopes of 67,000 Pakistani devotees.

Commending King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for their consistent provision of outstanding Hajj arrangements, he implored them to personally address the matter, enabling Pakistan to utilize its remaining Hajj quota. He admitted, “Our failure to adapt to the updated Saudi policy and make timely arrangements is the reason for this situation.”

Reading out the code of conduct for Hajj 2025, Tahir Ashrafi advised pilgrims against engaging in political activities and discussions, urging them to concentrate on prayers during their time in the Holy Land.

He also emphasized the importance of adhering to the regulations established by Saudi organizers, who diligently facilitate millions of pilgrims from around the globe each year.

Concurrently, the Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, has appealed to the Saudi crown prince for intervention to resolve ongoing visa processing issues affecting thousands of Pakistani pilgrims.

During a press briefing, association representatives highlighted that the Hajj season is rapidly approaching, yet the Saudi visa processing system remains inaccessible to Pakistani organizers.

They explained that the official portal, essential for transmitting pilgrim data to Saudi Arabia for visa issuance, has been problematic.

They noted that due to system updates and delays in permissions from Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, the necessary data could not be submitted by the February 14 deadline.

The organizers voiced profound concerns, indicating that approximately 77,000 Pakistani pilgrims are facing uncertainty and distress.

They implored His Royal Highness for assistance during this critical period, advocating for all Pakistani pilgrims to be allowed to participate in Hajj.

The speakers highlighted that roughly 2.67 billion Saudi riyals have already been transferred from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia for accommodations and related arrangements for the pilgrims.

Furthermore, Rs22.5 billion has been allocated for airfare, Rs1.58 billion for taxes, and approximately Rs1.75 billion in service charges are being collected by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. The association appealed to authorities to resolve these issues, ensuring the participation of all registered pilgrims in Hajj 2025.