Ministry of Religious Affairs appeals to Saudi Arabia for over 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims

Islamabad: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has made a last-ditch effort to facilitate over 67,000 private Pakistani pilgrims who risk missing Hajj this year, by formally appealing to Saudi authorities.

According to reports, the ministry has sent official letters in English and Arabic, requesting special consideration for elderly pilgrims who may not get another chance to perform Hajj. These individuals had deposited their payments, but due to non-payment of service provider fees, their travel was not finalised.

The letter urges Saudi officials to allocate any remaining slots in Mina, stressing the emotional distress of pilgrims, especially the elderly.

The ministry also assured that going forward, all private Hajj operators would strictly comply with official deadlines and regulations to prevent such issues in the future.