65,000 Pakistani Pilgrims at Risk of Missing Hajj 2025
Latest updates on Pakistan’s ongoing Hajj crisis and diplomatic efforts
Crisis Overview
In a concerning development for thousands of aspiring pilgrims, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf informed the Senate on Friday that approximately 65,000 Pakistanis are at risk of missing Hajj 2025 due to issues related to payment deadlines and quota allocations.
The crisis stems from Saudi Arabia’s strict enforcement of payment deadlines for accommodation, Tawafa services, and other essential Hajj arrangements. With the holy pilgrimage scheduled to begin in June 2025, time is running short for these pilgrims to secure their participation in one of Islam’s most sacred rituals.
“We are seriously engaged with Saudi authorities to find a solution for the remaining applicants.”
— Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs
This situation has sparked urgent diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to find a solution for the affected pilgrims, many of whom are elderly and may not have another opportunity to perform this once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation.
Pakistani authorities have made a formal appeal to Saudi officials regarding the pilgrims’ situation
Hajj 2025: By the Numbers
Total pilgrims allocated to Pakistan
Pakistani pilgrims confirmed so far
Pilgrims who may miss Hajj 2025
Additional Statistics
- 10,000 additional quota granted by Saudi government following Pakistan’s appeal
- 13,600 pilgrims accommodated during the extended deadline period (Feb 14-21)
- 2,078 additional pilgrims recently approved by Saudi authorities
- 300,000-350,000 pilgrims worldwide face similar challenges due to payment deadlines
Background of the Crisis
According to Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Saudi Arabia initially allocated a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan this year, equally divided between government and private sectors. The Saudi government mandated that all Hajj operators—both public and private—complete payments for accommodations, Tawafa services, and other expenses by February 14, 2025.
Key Issue
Pilgrims registered through companies that met the deadline were successfully enrolled on the Saudi portal, while those linked to late-paying operators lost their quota. This has created a situation where approximately 65,000 Pakistani pilgrims are currently at risk of missing the opportunity to perform Hajj this year.
The strict enforcement of payment deadlines by Saudi authorities has affected not only Pakistan but also pilgrim contingents from other countries. According to the minister, between 300,000 to 350,000 pilgrims worldwide faced similar challenges due to the strict enforcement of payment deadlines.
Public vs. Private Sector
Pakistan’s Hajj quota is typically divided equally between government-managed and private tour operators. For Hajj 2025, each sector was allocated approximately 89,605 slots. While government-managed pilgrims have largely secured their spots, many private operators failed to meet payment deadlines.
Out of the 90,830 pilgrims who were initially set to travel under the private scheme, only about 23,620 will now be able to perform Hajj due to the payment delays by their respective tour operators.
Saudi Requirements
- February 14, 2025: Initial deadline for all payments
- February 21, 2025: Extended deadline after PM’s intervention
- Full payment required: For accommodations, Tawafa services, and other expenses
- Strict enforcement: No exceptions for late payments beyond the extended deadline
Key Dates & Timeline
January 2025
Early notification period
Saudi Arabia allocates 179,210 Hajj quota to Pakistan, equally divided between government and private sectors. The Saudi authorities notify all countries about payment requirements and deadlines.
February 14, 2025
Initial payment deadline
Deadline for all Hajj operators to complete payments for accommodations, Tawafa services, and other expenses. Many private operators fail to meet this deadline, putting their pilgrims at risk.
Mid-February 2025
Prime Minister’s intervention
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally intervenes after being apprised of the situation, requesting Saudi authorities for an extension of the payment deadline.
Pakistani pilgrims awaiting confirmation of their Hajj status
February 21, 2025
Extended deadline
Saudi authorities extend the payment deadline, allowing an additional 13,600 Pakistani pilgrims to complete their payments and secure their spots for Hajj.
March-April 2025
Diplomatic efforts
Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf personally visits Saudi Arabia twice to follow up on Pakistan’s request for accommodating the remaining pilgrims. Formal appeals are sent to Saudi authorities.
May 2025
Additional quota granted
Following persistent efforts, Saudi Arabia grants Pakistan an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims. Recently, Saudi authorities approved another 2,078 Pakistani pilgrims, bringing the total confirmed to approximately 115,000.
June 2025
Scheduled Hajj period
The Hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to begin. Negotiations continue for the remaining 65,000 Pakistani pilgrims still hoping to participate.
Government Response & Interventions
Prime Minister’s Direct Involvement
When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was apprised of the situation, he personally intervened, requesting the Saudi authorities for an extension of the payment deadline. This intervention resulted in an extension until February 21, allowing an additional 13,600 Pakistani pilgrims to complete their payments.
Diplomatic Channels
The Pakistani government has been using all available diplomatic channels to address the crisis. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has submitted a formal written appeal to Saudi authorities, highlighting that many affected pilgrims are elderly and this may be their last opportunity to fulfill their religious obligation.
Special Committee
The Pakistani government has formed a three-member committee to investigate the reasons for the delays and mismanagement by private tour operators. This committee will identify responsible parties and ensure transparency in future Hajj arrangements.
In addition to the appeals, the government has reaffirmed its commitment that the private sector will fully comply with all Hajj measures in terms of management, regulations, and deadlines from next year onward.
Key Government Actions
- Prime Minister’s personal intervention
- Multiple formal appeals to Saudi authorities
- Minister’s two visits to Saudi Arabia
- Formation of investigative committee
- Securing additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims
- Approval for additional 2,078 pilgrims
Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf addressing concerns about the Hajj crisis
Minister’s Statement & Clarifications
“We are seriously engaged with Saudi authorities to find a solution for the remaining applicants.”
— Sardar Muhammad Yousaf
Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has been actively negotiating with Saudi authorities to accommodate the affected pilgrims. He has dismissed claims of delayed communication with private Hajj companies, stating that they were repeatedly reminded through official correspondence to comply with the Saudi-set deadlines.
During his Senate briefing, the minister clarified that this issue is not unique to Pakistan, as between 300,000 to 350,000 pilgrims worldwide faced similar challenges due to the strict enforcement of payment deadlines by Saudi Arabia.
The minister assured that the government is committed to facilitating all eligible pilgrims and has already made significant progress by securing additional quotas and extended deadlines.
Minister’s Promise
“We are trying to enable as many of the 179,210 applicants as possible to perform Hajj. Our government is seriously engaged with Saudi authorities to find a solution for the remaining applicants.”
Minister Yousaf has urged intending pilgrims to uphold the national image during Hajj and to strictly adhere to all rules, regulations, and instructions issued by the Saudi authorities.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
- Currently serving as Federal Minister for Religious Affairs
- Previous experience handling Hajj arrangements
- Made two official visits to Saudi Arabia regarding this issue
- Leading Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis
Global Context
According to Minister Sardar Yousaf, Pakistan is not alone in facing this challenge. Between 300,000 to 350,000 pilgrims worldwide are experiencing similar issues due to Saudi Arabia’s strict enforcement of payment deadlines for Hajj 2025.
Thousands of pilgrims from around the world gather for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca
Saudi Arabia’s enforcement of strict payment deadlines for Hajj 2025 is part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline the management of the annual pilgrimage, which hosts millions of Muslims from around the world.
New Regulations for Hajj 2025
- Strict adherence to payment deadlines for all services
- Required digital registration on the Saudi portal
- Mandatory vaccinations for meningococcal and seasonal influenza
- Enhanced health and safety protocols
Countries Similarly Affected
Several other countries with large Muslim populations are reportedly facing similar challenges with their Hajj quotas due to payment deadline issues:
- • Indonesia
- • Bangladesh
- • India
- • Egypt
- • Nigeria
- • And several others across Asia and Africa
Current Efforts & Path Forward
The Pakistani government continues to negotiate on behalf of the remaining 65,000 applicants. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has recently made a final appeal to Saudi authorities, emphasizing that this would be the last opportunity for many elderly pilgrims to fulfill their religious obligation.
Latest Development
As per recent reports, Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 2,078 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj 2025, reducing the number of impacted pilgrims to approximately 63,000. This shows that ongoing diplomatic efforts are yielding some results.
Both the government and the private sector are cooperating to ensure that the affected pilgrims have the chance to participate in Hajj 2025. Hajj pilgrims remain hopeful for a positive response from Saudi officials.
Key Commitments in the Appeal
- Promise that private sector will fully comply with all Hajj measures, regulations, and deadlines from next year onward
- Formation of a three-member committee to investigate reasons for delays and identify responsible parties
- Emphasis on Islamic brotherhood and empathy in considering the elderly pilgrims’ situation
For Affected Pilgrims
If you are among the pilgrims affected by this situation:
- Stay in contact with your Hajj operator for the latest updates
- Check the Ministry of Religious Affairs website regularly
- Be prepared for either outcome and possible refund procedures
- Consider alternatives like deferring to next year if necessary
Future Safeguards
To prevent similar issues in future Hajj seasons:
- Stricter monitoring of private Hajj operators
- Earlier processing of payments and registrations
- Improved communication between all stakeholders
- Potential penalties for operators who fail to meet deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are 65,000 Pakistani pilgrims at risk of missing Hajj 2025?
These pilgrims are at risk because their private tour operators failed to meet Saudi Arabia’s strict payment deadlines for accommodation, Tawafa services, and other Hajj-related expenses by February 14, 2025 (later extended to February 21).
What has the Pakistani government done to address this issue?
The government has taken several steps, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal intervention that secured a deadline extension, Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf’s two visits to Saudi Arabia, formal written appeals, and ongoing diplomatic negotiations that have already secured additional quotas for 10,000 pilgrims plus 2,078 more recently.
How many Pakistani pilgrims have confirmed their Hajj 2025 participation so far?
Approximately 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims have been confirmed for Hajj this year, out of the initial quota of 179,210.
Is this issue unique to Pakistan?
No, according to Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, between 300,000 to 350,000 pilgrims worldwide are facing similar challenges due to Saudi Arabia’s strict enforcement of payment deadlines.
What happens to the payments made by pilgrims who might miss Hajj?
While specific details haven’t been confirmed yet, the government is likely to ensure that affected pilgrims receive refunds if they ultimately cannot perform Hajj this year. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will provide guidance on refund procedures.
What is being done to prevent similar issues in the future?
The government has formed a three-member committee to investigate the delays and identify responsible parties. Additionally, there is a commitment that the private sector will fully comply with all Hajj measures, regulations, and deadlines in future years, with likely stricter monitoring and potential penalties for non-compliance.
Sources & References
- The Express Tribune: 65,000 Pakistanis risk missing Hajj 2025
- ARY News: Pakistan appeals to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025 pilgrim inclusion
- Samaa TV: Pakistan makes final appeal to Saudi Arabia to reinstate private Hajj quota
- The News: Govt continues to negotiate for remaining 65,000 Haj applicants
- APP: Govt continues to negotiate for remaining 65,000 hajj applicants
* This article was last updated on May 17, 2025. Information may change as the situation develops.
