ISLAMABAD:
There is a looming risk that Pakistan’s private Hajj operators may forfeit a quota of over 77,000 pilgrims due to non-compliance with Saudi regulations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the issue and has initiated efforts to prevent the loss, while also ordering the formation of a committee to identify those responsible for the mismanagement.
Sources revealed that the Saudi government had informed Pakistan in 2023 of its decision to streamline Hajj operations by limiting contracts to fewer, larger companies – each with a minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims. While the Ministry of Religious Affairs intervened at the time to provide temporary relief to smaller operators, it was also made clear that companies managing at least 200 pilgrims after merger would be allowed to operate in the future.
In 2024, the ministry issued an advertisement inviting more companies to apply for Hajj quota. However, Hajj tour operators challenged this in the Sindh High Court, securing a stay order that remains in effect.
This year, the Saudi authorities required that private Hajj operators complete bookings and payments for accommodation in Mina by February 14. Despite this, only around 12,500 bookings were completed through the designated Saudi portal before it was shut down, leaving the remaining 77,000 slots in limbo. The total private Hajj quota for Pakistan was 89,801 pilgrims.
The failure to fulfill the quota has prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take urgent action. He has formed a three-member committee headed by Cabinet Division sectary, which has been tasked with determining accountability for the lapse within three days. Members of the committee include Religious Affairs Secretary Dr Attaur Rehman, FBR chairman and Gilgit-Baltistan chief secretary.
Sources further disclosed that the Saudi government has refused to extend the deadline for private Hajj arrangements. The agreement between Pakistani private operators, the Saudi ministry, and the Pakistan Hajj Mission was signed on December 10, The government allowed private tour operators to transfer funds to Saudi Arabia starting from January 10 for Hajj 2025. Saudi Arabia had set February 14 as the booking deadline for Hajj pilgrims facilities.
Sources stated that the efforts by the religious affairs ministry were unsuccessful as Saudi authorities did not respond.
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