Only 25,698 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year under the private scheme, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced. The significant reduction follows widespread non-compliance by private operators with Saudi Arabia’s booking rules and payment deadlines.
Out of Pakistan’s total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims, the private sector had been allocated nearly half. However, failure to meet procedural benchmarks slashed the private share from 89,801 to just over 25,000, affecting over 67,000 would-be pilgrims.
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Yousaf revealed that despite an extension in the payment deadline, many private operators failed to fulfill requirements. A committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will now investigate the issue, including cases where payments were made to unregistered operators.
Meanwhile, the government has urged pilgrims to verify tour operators before making transactions and announced that five airlines—including PIA and Saudi Airlines—will handle pilgrim transport. Over 55,000 Pakistanis have already reached Saudi Arabia under the government scheme ahead of the June 4–9 pilgrimage.
