Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf announced that only 25,698 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj under the private scheme this year—far fewer than expected—due to serious delays and negligence by private operators and NGOs involved in the Hajj process.
Speaking in a joint press conference with the Secretary of Religious Affairs, the minister revealed that the Hajj policy was in principle approved in November, but he took office in March. Despite making two trips to Saudi Arabia to monitor arrangements, only limited progress was made on the private front.
According to the official Hajj policy, 50% of Pakistan's quota (179,210 pilgrims) is to be used by the government and 50% by private operators. While the government quota was utilized to capacity and all proceedings were done within deadlines, the private sector fell behind.
“Private companies failed to meet deadlines despite clear instructions,” said the minister. “They delayed the submission of required documents and funds and requested outdated permissions that did not align with new Saudi regulations.”
According to Saudi guidelines, only companies managing a cluster of 2,000 pilgrims would be eligible to operate. However, 904 companies formed clusters to meet this threshold under the coordination of HOPE, an umbrella organization representing Hajj operators. HOPE was given a February 14 deadline to deposit 25% of the required amount, but only 3,600 people paid by then. Even after a one-week extension and an additional 48 hours, the number rose to just 13,600.
Seeing the shortfall, Minister Sardar Yousaf traveled to Saudi Arabia and personally requested an extension. However, Saudi authorities clarified that any extension would apply globally, not just to Pakistan. Then Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stepped in and asked the Foreign Minister to make negotiations with Saudi authorities. Therefore, Pakistan was granted an extra quota of 10,000 pilgrims, equal to the allowance for other Muslim nations. The last private Hajj number for 2025 is now 25,698 pilgrims.
Denying allegations of miscommunication, Minister Yousaf said all parties—including HOPE—had known the rules and deadlines and had even signed off on official agreements. He was critical of some operators, later claiming ignorance.
He also cautioned the public to check the credentials of Hajj companies before booking, as unlicensed operators would take advantage of pilgrims.
The minister concluded by acknowledging the disappointment of those left behind. “These pilgrims had every right to perform Hajj, but due to the carelessness of some, they were deprived. The Prime Minister has formed a special inquiry committee, and those found guilty will face action,” he vowed.
