Islamabad, May 4, 2025: In response to sweeping regulatory changes announced by Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2024–2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an urgent reform of Pakistan’s Hajj operations.
A high-powered committee, led by Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadiq Malik, has been tasked with overhauling outdated systems to align with the new Saudi framework — a move expected to impact thousands of Pakistani pilgrims and reshape how the private sector handles one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
This shift comes as Saudi Arabia pushes all participating countries to modernize and digitize Hajj logistics, focusing on accountability, streamlined digital payments, and private-sector participation. Compared to neighboring countries like Indonesia and Malaysia — both praised for efficient, tech-integrated Hajj management — Pakistan has long struggled with bureaucratic delays and complaints of mismanagement.
Experts believe this overhaul is not just timely but critical.
“If Pakistan doesn’t modernize now, we risk falling behind and compromising pilgrim experiences,” noted travel consultant Sanaullah Khan, a member of the reform committee.
Key committee members include influential figures from government, hospitality, foreign affairs, and private Hajj operators — reflecting the government’s intention to blend public oversight with private expertise.
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Among their tasks: uncovering why payments to Saudi digital wallets (Munazzams) have been delayed, why discrepancies exist in Pakistan’s Hajj sub-accounts, and how to revamp the entire system to prevent future financial and logistical bottlenecks.
As these long-overdue reforms unfold, Pakistani pilgrims and private tour operators alike are watching closely — hopeful this marks the beginning of a smoother, fairer Hajj experience.
Will the government’s overhaul deliver on its promises? Stay tuned as we track every update on this crucial national undertaking
