Today Hajj News in Pakistan: Over 67,000 Pilgrims Affected by Drastic Quota Cut
Private Hajj quota Pakistan 2025 has plunged into a severe crisis following Saudi Arabia’s decision to slash Pakistan’s private Hajj quota from 89,605 to just 23,620 pilgrims. This unprecedented reduction has left over 67,000 intending pilgrims in distress, triggering financial losses worth PKR 94 billion and widespread criticism of administrative failures.
Why Was Pakistan’s Private Hajj Quota Reduced?
1. Saudi Arabia’s Strict Regulations & Missed Deadlines
Saudi authorities allocated Pakistan 179,210 Hajj slots for 2025, with half reserved for private operators. However, due to non-compliance with Saudi regulations, the private Hajj quota was drastically cut. Key reasons include:
- Failure to Secure Mina Accommodations: Private Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) missed the February 14, 2025, deadline to book lodging in Mina via the Saudi Nusuk portal. Only 12,500 applications were processed before the portal closed.
- Late Hajj Policy Approval: Pakistan’s Hajj Policy 2025 was approved late, delaying coordination with Saudi authorities.
- Payment Delays: Despite transferring 7 million Saudi Riyals, HGOs couldn’t finalize bookings before the deadline.
2. Saudi Arabia’s New Policy on Group Size
Since 2023, Saudi Arabia has enforced stricter rules, allowing only large operators managing 2,000+ pilgrims to contract directly. While Pakistan received temporary relief in 2023, the 2025 enforcement caught many HGOs unprepared.
Impact of the Private Hajj Quota Crisis
- Financial Losses: Pilgrims paid PKR 200,000+ as token money, with total deposits estimated at PKR 48.8 billion. Many now face uncertainty over refunds.
- Emotional Distress: For many, Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the sudden quota cut has shattered dreams.
- Reputational Damage to HGOs: Private operators face backlash, with pilgrims questioning transparency.
Government Response & Diplomatic Efforts
- Inquiry Committee: PM Shehbaz Sharif formed a three-member committee to investigate mismanagement.
- Additional Slots Secured: After appeals, Saudi Arabia granted 10,000 extra slots, raising the private quota to 33,620.
- Senate & Public Outrage: Senators and clerics like Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi demanded accountability and urged Saudi leaders to reconsider.
Critical Analysis: Who Is Responsible?
- Ministry of Religious Affairs: Failed to ensure timely compliance with Saudi regulations.
- Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs): Did not adapt to Saudi Arabia’s new policies, leading to the quota lapse.
- Systemic Delays: Late policy approvals and poor coordination worsened the crisis.
What Should Affected Pilgrims Do?
- Check Status Online: Verify bookings via Ministry’s portal or Pak Hajj 2025 app.
- Demand Refunds: Contact the Ministry’s Monitoring Section (051-9218571) for unresolved cases.
- Avoid Fraud: Book only with registered HGOs listed on the official website.
Can This Crisis Be Avoided in the Future?
The Private Hajj quota Pakistan 2025 crisis highlights deep-rooted mismanagement in Hajj operations. To prevent future lapses:
1.Early policy finalization & Saudi coordination
2.Merging smaller HGOs to meet Saudi requirements
3. Digitizing booking systems for efficiency
Today Hajj News in Pakistan remains a trending topic as affected families seek answers. Will the government ensure accountability, or will pilgrims suffer again in 2026? Stay updated for the latest developments.
