Islamabad, June 28, 2025: In a significant development, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has been directed to refund Rs. 36.43 billion (approximately $130 million) to over 67,000 aspiring pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj this year under the private scheme.
The directive, issued by a subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, mandates that the full amount must be reimbursed to the affected individuals by August 15, 2025, without any deductions for currency fluctuations or service charges.
Senator Aon Abbas Buppi, who chairs the subcommittee, announced the decision following a meeting on Friday. The issue arose due to private Hajj tour operators in Pakistan failing to meet new criteria set by Saudi Arabia.
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According to Dr. Attaur Rehman, Secretary of Religious Affairs, Saudi Arabia had allocated a total of 179,210 Hajj slots to Pakistan for 2025, with 90,830 designated for private operators. However, a revised Saudi policy now requires tour operators to manage groups of at least 500 pilgrims. It is up to a maximum of 2,000.
None of Pakistan’s 903 registered private Hajj operators could meet this new condition. Leading to widespread cancellations and left thousands of pilgrims in limbo.
The subcommittee strongly emphasized that the stranded funds, currently held in Saudi Arabia, must be returned in full to provide much-needed relief to those impacted.
