A failure to meet Saudi Arabia’s requirements has resulted in the underutilization of Pakistan’s private Hajj quota, preventing at least 77,000 pilgrims from undertaking the sacred journey this year. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry into the issue.
An investigative committee, led by the Secretary of the Cabinet Division, convened a meeting where Secretary of Religious Affairs Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman provided a briefing.
During the session, it was disclosed that private Hajj operators failed to fulfill agreements, leading to only 12,500 bookings out of the 89,801 available slots. Consequently, a significant number of pilgrims will be unable to participate in Hajj this year.
Additionally, Saudi authorities declined a request from Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Religious Affairs to extend the booking deadline.
Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Hajj Agreement 2025
A contract involving private Hajj operators, the Saudi Ministry, and the Pakistan Hajj Mission was signed on December 10. The government permitted tour operators to transfer funds to Saudi Arabia from January 10, with the final booking deadline set for February 14.
Under the 2025 Hajj agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, a total of 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims are set to perform Hajj this year.
