Negligence by Private Operators bars pilgrims from Hajj: Minister Sardar Yousuf

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf has said that due to the negligence of private tour operators, several pilgrims will be unable to perform Hajj this year.

Speaking to the media, the minister stated that private operators failed to meet the Saudi government’s requirement to deposit 25% of the Hajj fees by February 14, with only 3,600 payments submitted by the deadline. He held the private sector responsible for not taking timely action on behalf of the pilgrims.

As a result, many individuals will miss out on Hajj this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an enquiry, and a special committee has been formed to investigate the matter.

The minister also shared that Pakistan’s total Hajj quota was 179,000, out of which 25,698 pilgrims will travel under the private Hajj scheme. He assured that the government is committed to ensuring proper facilities for all pilgrims.