Govt Actively Trying to Send Maximum Number of Pilgrims for Hajj: Minister

Islamabad – The federal government is making determined efforts to facilitate the maximum number of Pakistani pilgrims for Hajj this year, said Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, during a press briefing on Sunday. The Minister emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring that the sacred journey remains accessible, safe, and spiritually fulfilling for all eligible citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Enhanced Support for Pilgrims

The Minister highlighted several key measures undertaken by the government to ease the process of performing Hajj for the country’s Muslim population. He stated that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has implemented an upgraded and transparent selection process, improved logistical arrangements, and coordinated closely with Saudi authorities to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims receive quality services throughout their journey.

“Every effort is being made to send the maximum number of pilgrims this year, within the quota allotted to us by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the Minister said. “Our government is fully aware of the spiritual importance of this journey for Muslims and is committed to providing the best possible support to our citizens.”

He added that the government has secured additional facilities in Makkah and Madinah, including improved accommodation, local transportation, and food services. These steps are designed to improve the overall experience for the pilgrims and address complaints received in previous years.

Govt actively trying to send maximum number of pilgrims for Hajj Minister: After securing an additional Hajj quota, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said on Sunday that the government was actively making efforts to send the maximum number of pilgrims to fulfill the sacred religious obligation.

Ministry of Religious Affairs

His statement came days after the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced that a total of 23,620 pilgrims from Pakistan will be able to perform Hajj in 2025 under the Private Hajj Scheme, while the fate of remaining 67,000 pilgrims hangs in the balance.

Saudi Arabia

Last week, Saudi Arabia granted an additional Hajj quota to Pakistan, allowing 10,000 additional pilgrims to perform Hajj this year following a request by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Taking to his X handle, DPM Dar expressed gratitude to the kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud for granting the additional Hajj quota.

The minister said: “We are trying to enable as many of the 179,210 applicants as possible to perform Hajj. Of them, 50% are going under the government scheme, and their arrangements are complete.”

Giving details, the minister said that he visited the kingdom and held meeting with his Saudi counterpart to discuss issues related to the Hajj.

“We requested that they [Saudi Arabia’s government] extend the deadline so that our pilgrims are not left behind,” he added.

Responding to a question, the minister said: “This has not happened only in Pakistan, it’s happening elsewhere. In India, there are 52,000 pilgrims who want to perform Hajj.”

When asked if the government would refund to those who could not travel to the kingdom, the minister said: “According to our Hajj policy, there are agreements with tour operators under which the procedure [for booking Hajj] has taken place.”

“If money has entered the system under that procedure, then it is recorded. It is their right to refund if they are unable to perform the pilgrimage.”