There is a threatening risk that Pakistan’s private Hajj operators may forfeit a quota of over 77,000 pilgrims due to non-compliance with Saudi rules.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has noticed the question and has begun efforts to prevent the loss while ordering the formation of a committee to identify those responsible for incorrect management.

Sources revealed that the Saudi government had informed Pakistan in 2023 about his decision to streamline Hajj operations by limiting contracts to fewer, larger companies – each with a minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims. While the Ministry of Religious Affairs intervened at the time to provide temporary relief to smaller operators, it was also made clear that companies that administered at least 200 pilgrims after merger would be allowed to operate in the future.

In 2024, the Ministry issued an advertisement that invited several companies to apply for Hajj -quota. However, Hajj -travel organizers challenged this in Sindh High Court and secured a residence order that remains in force.

This year, the Saudi authorities demanded that private Hajj operators make bookings and payments for accommodation in Mina before February 14. Despite this, only about 12,500 bookings were completed through the designated Saudi portal before it was closed, leaving the remaining 77,000 slots in Limbo. The total private Hajj quota for Pakistan was 89,801 pilgrims.

The lack of fulfilling quota has prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take urgent actions. He has formed a committee with three members led by Cabinet Division-Sectary, who has been assigned the task of determining responsibility for lapsing within three days. Members of the committee include religious affairs secretary Dr Attaur Rehman, FBR chairman and Gilgit-Baltist Chief Secretary.

Sources also revealed that the Saudi government has refused to extend the deadline for private Hajj events. The agreement between Pakistani private operators, the Saudi ministry and the Pakistan Hajj mission was signed on December 10, the government allowed private tour operators to transfer funds to Saudi -Arabia from January 10 for Hajj 2025.

Sources stated that the Ministry of Religious Affairs was not successful as Saudi authorities did not respond.