Minister for Religious Affairs Assures Hajj Pilgrims of Excellent Arrangements This Year

ISLAMABAD: On Monday, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf assured that Pakistani Hajj pilgrims would receive top-notch arrangements this year. However, he did not provide a clear answer about the status of Pakistan’s 67,000 lapsed quota under the private Hajj scheme.

Speaking at the National Hajj Conference 2025, organized by the Pakistan Ulema Council, Yousuf explained that Saudi Arabia’s Hajj policy is the same for all countries. “If the Saudi government offers any relaxations to other countries, then our remaining applicants will also have the opportunity to perform Hajj,” he stated.

He added that Pakistani pilgrims would be given the same consideration if any deadline extensions or concessions were granted to other nations.

The minister credited Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and himself, along with Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, for negotiating with the Saudi government to secure an additional 10,000 spots for Pakistani pilgrims, despite the deadline of February 14 having passed.

However, he clarified that there had been no increase in Pakistan’s overall quota, which stands at 179,210. Initially, Saudi Arabia had set a limit of 102,000, but through diplomatic efforts, Pakistan was granted an extra 10,000 seats, he explained.

Yousuf also assured that those who are unable to perform Hajj will receive a refund for the money they had paid in advance to Hajj operators for accommodation in Makkah, Madina, and Mina.

Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi and numerous private Hajj operators also attended the conference. Ashrafi acknowledged the unfortunate reality that Pakistan’s 67,000 Hajj quota had lapsed for the first time in the country’s history. However, he noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already formed a committee to identify those responsible for the oversight.

He called on the prime minister to take action against those who had dashed the hopes of 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims. Ashrafi also praised King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for consistently ensuring excellent Hajj arrangements and appealed to them personally to intervene, allowing Pakistan to utilize the remaining quota.

Ashrafi also shared the Hajj-2025 code of conduct, urging pilgrims to avoid political activities and debates, instead focusing on prayer during their time in the Holy Land. He emphasized the importance of adhering to Saudi rules and regulations, as the country consistently provides excellent arrangements for millions of pilgrims from around the world.

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