Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, has promised that the government will ensure a smooth and well-organized Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims in 2025.
While speaking at the Hajj Conference, he shared that the Prime Minister has given him full responsibility to make the best arrangements for Hajj. Even though he only took charge of the ministry a month ago, he said he is fully committed to serving the pilgrims.
He also mentioned that he visited Saudi Arabia to personally check on the Hajj preparations. During his visit, he noticed that many people were still waiting to get confirmation for their Hajj plans.
Yousaf explained that, together with the Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, and with the help of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, they worked hard to restore the Hajj quota of 67,000 pilgrims.
He also said that after discussions with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Pakistan was granted an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims. This means Pakistan now has a total quota of 112,000 pilgrims.
However, he made it clear that this extra quota is meant only for private Hajj operators and warned people not to believe any false claims about even larger increases in the quota.
He also addressed concerns about pilgrims who missed the Saudi deadlines. He said that if Saudi Arabia allows late pilgrims from other countries to perform Hajj, then Pakistani pilgrims will be allowed too. Any changes in policy will apply to all countries equally, including Pakistan.
Lastly, Minister Yousaf assured that if needed, any money Pakistani pilgrims have already sent to Saudi Arabia will be refunded. He said the government is fully committed to protecting the interests of the pilgrims.
