Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf blamed private tour operators for a major Hajj scandal that prevented 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims from performing the 2025 pilgrimage, scheduled for June 4–9.
At a press conference in Islamabad, Yousaf announced that only 25,698 pilgrims under the private scheme will participate. Operators failed to deposit the required funds by Saudi Arabia’s February 14, 2025, deadline, leaving thousands stranded.
Pakistan’s 2025 Hajj quota, established at 179,210 under an agreement with Saudi Arabia, allocates 89,605 slots each to the government and private schemes. The government scheme managed nearly 90,000 pilgrims and met all deadlines. In contrast, private operators secured only 23,620 to 25,698 slots, including 10,000 additional slots granted by Saudi Arabia after diplomatic efforts. Yousaf explained that private operators failed to transfer 25% of funds by the February 14 deadline, which led to the exclusion of 67,000 pilgrims from the private quota, despite an allocation of 89,605 slots.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that it will refund affected pilgrims’ funds, already transferred to Saudi accounts, or adjust them for Hajj 2026. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a three-member inquiry committee, led by Federal Secretary Kamran Afzal, to investigate the mismanagement and identify those responsible, promising strict penalties for any wrongdoing.
A Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah official has rejected claims that pilgrims’ funds were transferred to an OPEC account, stating that such allegations are “baseless.” The official emphasised the transparency of their electronic Hajj platform. They explained that the shortfall was due to private operators failing to finalise contracts within the established timelines, a recurring issue.
The scandal has devastated thousands of Pakistani families, with reports estimating PKR 36 billion in stuck funds. Affected pilgrims, who saved for years, face uncertainty, prompting public outcry. Yousaf assured robust government arrangements for the 90,000 government-scheme pilgrims, including training and the Road to Makkah initiative at Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports. The inquiry committee’s findings, expected soon, will guide penalties for operators, with the ministry issuing notices to avoid unauthorised bookings.
The 2025 Hajj scandal underscores the need for stricter oversight of private tour operators, as Pakistan’s government vows accountability. Refunds and adjustments offer hope, but the outcome of the inquiry will determine justice for affected pilgrims.
