Pakistani Private Hajj Operators at Risk of Losing Quota Due to Non-Payment in Saudi Arabia

Pakistani Private Hajj Operators at Risk of Losing Quota Due to Non-Payment in Saudi Arabia

Private Hajj operators in Pakistan face the risk of losing their allocated quota if outstanding payments are not cleared in Saudi Arabia by February 14, 2025.

The concern was raised during a meeting of the Subcommittee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, chaired by Imran Ali Shah.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the committee that private Hajj operators must settle payments in Saudi Arabia by the given deadline. Failure to do so would result in the revocation of their quotas.

Officials emphasized that any private operator failing to deliver Hajj services as per the agreed package would face legal action. They also revealed that due to court orders, processes including access to accounts of private operators have been temporarily halted.

The ministry highlighted that private operators require over 500 million riyals for bookings. Furthermore, bookings for approximately 2,000 pilgrims in Mecca and Medina are currently linked to individual names, complicating the process.

Members of the committee expressed frustration over the absence of the Secretary of Religious Affairs during the meeting.

This development comes amidst growing scrutiny of the Hajj process to ensure transparency and accountability. With significant financial and operational challenges, the coming weeks will be critical for private Hajj operators to secure their quotas and maintain services.