As the Hajj pilgrimage approaches in June 2025, over 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims are at risk of missing the sacred journey due to administrative delays and visa complications.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2025 stands at 179,210 pilgrims, divided equally between the government and private schemes. However, procedural lapses and financial mishandling by private tour operators have led to the forfeiture of over 66,000 slots. Consequently, only 23,620 pilgrims are confirmed under the private scheme, leaving a significant number uncertain about their participation.
Compounding the issue, many pilgrims have faced visa denials due to the failure to meet the February 14 deadline for submitting required details on Saudi Arabia’s digital Hajj portal. This oversight has resulted in funds, amounting to over Rs36 billion, being stuck in Saudi Arabia, with no clear resolution in sight.
Government Response and Additional Slots
In response to the crisis, the Pakistani government has sought assistance from Saudi authorities. Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced that Saudi Arabia has granted an additional 10,000 slots for the private Hajj scheme. This move aims to accommodate more pilgrims; however, the final confirmation from Saudi Arabia is pending.
The situation underscores the need for better coordination and timely action to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims can fulfill their religious obligations without undue hardship. As the government works to resolve these issues, affected pilgrims await clarity on their prospects for participating in Hajj 2025.
