Minister of Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced on Friday that around 25,698 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj this year under the private scheme.

This sharp reduction follows thousands of revoked slots due to private operators’ non -compliance with Saudi Arabia’s reservation rules and deadlines.

Saudi -Arabia had awarded Pakistan a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2025. Traditionally, this quota is shared evenly between the government and the private sector.

However, the private sector’s share dropped drastically from 89,801 to just over 25,000 after not meeting procedural requirements set by Saudi authorities, leaving more than 67,000 potential pilgrims affected.

Yousaf said during a press conference that only 3,600 pilgrims in a press conference had submitted payments, but after a week’s extension, the number increased to 13,000.

Read more: Funds for 67,000 Pakistani Hajj -Pilgrims sent to incorrect account

He also noted that although 904 private Hajj operators were registered with Saudi authorities based on the Ministry’s list, many pilgrims made payments to unregistered operators and ignored official guidelines. A committee set up by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will investigate the question, Yousaf added.

He confirmed that Pakistani Pilgrims would be transported by Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines, Airsial, Air Blue and Peaceful Air.

Earlier this month, the ministry called on Pilgrims to verify the authenticity of private tour operators before making payments, and only relying on the ministry’s official channels to avoid fraud.

Some registered private operators also failed to comply with Saudi deadlines for payment, prompting Premier Sharif to secure an expansion that was awarded.

HAJJ Pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9. Nearly 89,000 Pakistanis are set to travel under the government scheme, with Pakistan’s Hajj aircraft operation started on April 29. So far, 55,642 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia via 244 flights.