A heated meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs unfolded as the controversy surrounding the 2025 private Hajj operations took center stage. President of the Private Hajj Tour Operators Association, Sanaullah, expressed serious concerns over the delays caused by the federal cabinet in approving the Hajj policy, which he claimed took two and a half months. He said this delay severely hampered the ability of private tour operators to begin preparations on time.
Now largely privatized, Hajj operations faced procedural stoppage as private operators were not allowed to accept applications simultaneously with the government scheme. Further, FBR has initiated investigations against those who received packages of up to Rs 3 million to trace their sources of income. As a result, crucial arrangements for pilgrims could not be completed. Sanaullah stated that money had already been transferred to Saudi Arabia for 67,000 pilgrims, yet those pilgrims now face the risk of not being able to perform Hajj.
Sanaullah called for the formation of a high-level delegation to be sent to Saudi Arabia to resolve the matter, emphasizing that the issue must be escalated to the Prime Minister for immediate attention. He stressed the importance of focusing on resolving the crisis first and determining responsibility later. It was revealed during the session that approximately 680 million rupees amounting to 95 billion rupees, had already been transferred to Saudi Arabia. Those who deposited the money may not be able to perform Hajj this year, raising serious concerns about accountability and financial loss. Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan referenced past cases where similar irregularities led to jail time for officials, including former Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi. Chairman of the Standing Committee, Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, cautioned against repeating history, saying they must not face the same consequences.
Deputy Secretary Hajj responded by claiming that tour operators were slow to form the large clusters required under Saudi policy. He said that out of the required 450 million riyals, only 149 million had been transferred by tour operators so far. The ministry also disclosed that, in an effort to discourage money laundering and the use of informal channels like hawala and hundi, data of individuals who spent over three million rupees on Hajj would be shared with law enforcement agencies and the Federal Board of Revenue. A one-month limit was placed on issuing quotas to just 902 companies, though this restriction was challenged in court by tour operators, resulting in a stay order that further delayed operations.
The Deputy Secretary noted that had the money transfers occurred on time, the problem could have been avoided. Difficulties in transferring funds and procedural delays created a chain reaction that now jeopardizes the participation of tens of thousands of pilgrims. A five-member Hajj Committee, comprising officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was tasked with the procurement of services and accommodations for pilgrims. However, concerns were raised over why a single company was awarded contracts for services for 90,000 government-sponsored pilgrims. While ministry officials insisted that tenders were awarded according to PEPRA rules, it was clarified that such rules do not apply in Saudi Arabia.
Sanaullah pointed out that Saudi Arabia had already granted the relevant deeds on September 24, yet the ministry delayed policy issuance by one and a half months. He questioned why the ministry failed to inform tour operators that funds should be sent to e-accounts instead of the regular ALM accounts. He also revealed he was unexpectedly asked to deposit 400 million riyals, and questioned why neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh faced no such restrictions in quota allocations. Senators Aun Abbas Bappi and Rana Mahmoodul Hassan emphasized that the issue required intervention at the highest level and should be brought directly to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Standing Committee decided to formally request a meeting with the Prime Minister to resolve the issue urgently and prevent the affected 67,000 private pilgrims from missing their opportunity to perform Hajj.
Secretary of Religious Affairs clarified that launching an investigation against the state-appointed Raji Company at this time could disrupt Hajj operations. Although he expressed willingness to cooperate with any future probe, he stressed that the priority now was to carry out Hajj preparations without interruption. The Secretary warned that if such delays and disputes continue, there is a risk that Saudi Arabia could reduce Pakistan’s Hajj quota in the future due to poor implementation.
The Standing Committee insisted that the Ministry of Religious Affairs take immediate steps to facilitate a meeting with the Prime Minister and seek direct support from Saudi leadership. The Secretary added that a deadline had been given by Saudi Arabia in September, requiring 25 percent of the total amount to be deposited by February 14. He also reiterated that tour operators conduct business using public money and that their insistence on expanding the number of registered companies, followed by obtaining a court stay order, delayed financial transfers and operations.
As it stands, 67,000 private pilgrims remain uncertain about their Hajj journey. The Ministry has confirmed that the initial 10,000 quota permitted by Saudi Arabia has been finalized and there will be no additional increase. The Secretary concluded by saying that only the 25 percent already deposited through official channels will be considered for refund or accommodation by the Saudi government, while the fate of the rest remains in limbo.
