Islamabad, 26 May, 2025: Thousands Denied Hajj this year after administrative delays and regulatory hurdles prevented 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims from travelling to Saudi Arabia, according to representatives from the private Hajj sector.
Officials from the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) stated that the failure to approve and implement the Hajj policy in a timely manner by the Ministry of Religious Affairs led to this large-scale disruption.
Despite Saudi Arabia announcing its Hajj 2025 policy on 18 June 2024 (12th Dhul Hijjah), Pakistan’s authorities reportedly sanctioned their national framework several months later, creating a bottleneck in the private Hajj scheme.
READ MORE: Saudi Hajj Rules Push PM Shehbaz to Overhaul Pakistan Hajj
Policy Delays Blamed for Mass Disqualification
Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Sanaullah Khan, Chief Coordinator of HOAP, claimed that a deliberate strategy was adopted this year to undermine private Hajj operators. As a result, a significant number of pilgrims missed their chance to perform the sacred ritual.
He added that while the government-run scheme was given priority, private tour operators were restricted from advertising and initiating bookings, receiving show-cause notices instead.
Khan stressed that thousands denied Hajj had already submitted funds, amounting to 701 million Saudi Riyals, which currently remain locked in Saudi Arabia’s official e-Violet accounts. Though these pilgrims are being promised the same package for next year’s Hajj, there is growing demand for immediate redress and transparency.
Call for Inquiry and Compensation
HOAP representatives, along with members of the Travel Agents Association, urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and ensure justice for those affected. They also called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the matter thoroughly.
READ MORE: 115000 Pakistani Pilgrims Will Perform Hajj
Despite achieving international recognition for efficiency in previous years, Pakistan’s private Hajj scheme faced substantial obstruction in 2024. Land allotments and Tawaf payments were delayed for over 13,000 individuals, further complicating the process.
Khan assured that any pilgrim choosing to withdraw would be fully reimbursed. However, he reiterated that the private sector is prepared to facilitate Hajj next year under the same arrangements if the state supports it.
This year’s disruption has become a major point of concern for religious tour operators and the public alike, as thousands denied Hajj await clarity on their future participation in the pilgrimage.
