Missed Hajj? Private scheme pilgrims to be sent next year, assures ministry

ISLAMABAD: In a welcome development for thousands of aspiring Hajj pilgrims who were unable to perform the pilgrimage this year under the private scheme, authorities have confirmed they will be accommodated in the next Hajj season, without any additional cost.

According to sources, private Hajj operators have assured the Ministry of Religious Affairs that pilgrims who missed out this year will be facilitated next year under the same payment terms, offering relief to nearly 25,000 to 26,000 individuals.

The assurance was given by HOPE (Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan), which has taken responsibility for ensuring that all eligible pilgrims will be sent on Hajj in 2026. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf has confirmed the commitment, marking a major step towards resolving grievances linked to private Hajj arrangements.

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Sources revealed that around PKR36 billion of these pilgrims’ funds remain secured in Saudi Arabia, amounting to 490 million Saudi Riyals currently held in dedicated accounts.

Earlier claims and confusion

Contrary to earlier claims, the Ministry of Religious Affairs now states that approximately 63,000 Hajj slots under the private quota went unused last year, not 67,000 as previously reported. Private operators were reportedly unable to complete bookings for the full quota, resulting in widespread disappointment.

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A Senate committee on religious affairs has already taken notice, holding both the Ministry and private operators responsible for the mismanagement. The committee’s chairperson blamed official lapses and coordination failures for denying thousands of Pakistanis the opportunity to perform Hajj.

However, with a corrective plan now in motion and financial safeguards in place, hope is being restored for affected pilgrims, many of whom had been in limbo for months. The Ministry has vowed closer oversight for the upcoming Hajj season to prevent a repeat of last year’s shortfall.