Rs36 Billion at Stake: NA Body Slams Ministry Over Hajj 2025 Pilgrim Exclusion
News Desk
Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has voiced serious concern over the exclusion of approximately 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims from Hajj 2025, citing delays in agreements and payments to Saudi authorities.
The Committee’s 5th meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. During the session, members were informed that a significant amount—around PKR 36 billion—collected from the affected pilgrims remains pending in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Chairman Dogar directed the Ministry to ensure the facilitation of these pilgrims or the prompt and safe return of their deposits. He emphasized the religious, emotional, and financial implications of the issue, urging the Ministry to act with urgency and transparency.
In light of the seriousness of the matter, the Committee resolved to form a delegation to meet with the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The objective will be to seek the Prime Minister’s direct intervention with Saudi leadership in hopes of securing a special Hajj quota or an alternative arrangement to accommodate the affected pilgrims.
The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony briefed the Committee on the situation, stating that due to the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Saudi government agreed to accommodate an additional 10,000 Pakistani pilgrims after the February 14 deadline. However, he acknowledged that approximately 67,000 pilgrims were unable to secure a spot due to delays in bookings and payments.
The Ministry also demonstrated its newly developed Hajj 2025 mobile application, and the Secretary briefed the Committee on the ongoing arrangements for Hajj operations both in Pakistan and in KSA.
Meanwhile, the Committee deferred the “National Commission for Minorities’ Rights Bill, 2025” due to the absence of its mover. Briefing on the working of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) was also postponed to the next meeting.
