Hajj Money
Saudi authorities have categorically dismissed recent allegations suggesting that the Government of Pakistan mistakenly transferred Hajj funds to an incorrect account, specifically one linked to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Terming the claims as “completely baseless,” Saudi officials stressed that no such error had occurred in the financial handling of the Hajj-related transactions.
In a statement issued by a senior official from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to operating the electronic Hajj platform with the “highest standards of transparency, accuracy, and oversight.” The official clarified that all financial and administrative procedures related to Hajj are conducted under stringent regulatory frameworks, which ensure full traceability and accountability.
The Saudi Hajj authorities further noted that their electronic system is internationally recognized for its reliability and transparency. They emphasized that there are multiple verification layers and digital checks built into the system, making it virtually impossible for such a financial error to occur.
Diplomatic sources echoed this stance, stating that recent claims circulating in certain sections of the Pakistani media lacked any factual basis and had not been corroborated by any official Saudi or Pakistani sources.
These false reports have stirred unnecessary confusion, they added, and risk undermining public trust in a robust and well-managed religious pilgrimage system.
In relation to concerns about Pakistan’s underutilization of its allocated Hajj quota for this year, Saudi officials underscored the importance of timely coordination and planning.
They noted that agreements and service arrangements for Hajj must be finalized well in advance of the pilgrimage season. The effective use of a country’s quota depends heavily on its administrative efficiency and readiness, they added.
In response to the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the matter.
The committee will examine the reasons behind the shortfall in Pakistan’s Hajj participation and assess whether procedural lapses or delays played a role in the underutilization of the allotted slots. The move signals Islamabad’s intent to ensure accountability and improve future coordination for Hajj pilgrims.
