Around 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims will be unable to perform Hajj in 2025 due to delays in agreements and payments to Saudi Arabia. Hajj organizers attribute the rejection of these applications to late bookings and payments.
Saudi Arabia allocated Pakistan 179,210 slots, evenly divided between government and private schemes; however, only 14,000 private applications were successful, leaving thousands unable to complete their spiritual journey.
Hajj organizers announced they had secured spots for 67,000 pilgrims and sent SAR 7 million to Saudi Arabia. However, delays in finalizing the agreements resulted in Saudi authorities rejecting the applications. In response, Pakistan requested additional slots, and Saudi Arabia granted an extra 10,000 quotas. Nevertheless, this increase was insufficient to accommodate the demand, leaving the 67,000 pilgrims without spots.
Read: Saudi Arabia Bans Visit Visa Holders from Hajj 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an urgent inquiry into the failure of the private quota. He formed a three-member committee to investigate—led by the Secretary of the Cabinet Division, with the Federal Board of Revenue Chairman and the Federal Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan. The team must report within three days, pinpointing who’s responsible and why the government missed Saudi deadlines.
Hajj organizers have requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene, address the issue, and prevent future disruptions. This situation highlights the need for improved coordination with Saudi authorities to secure quotas on time.
