The journey of 67,000 Pakistanis to perform Hajj through private operators has seemingly become an impossible mission.
The final date for issuing visas, according to the Saudi deadline, was April 18. Private Hajj operators have blamed the Saudi government for the delay, claiming they had sent the payments before the deadline, but the Saudi software system crashed.
The Pakistan Ulema Council has urged the Prime Minister to take notice of the issue and appeal to the Saudi government for special consideration. SAMAA’s Osman Javed Malik reports from Islamabad.
According to the Saudi deadline, the final date for visa issuance was April 18. Private Hajj operators have placed the blame for the delay on the Saudi government, stating that they had sent the payments before the deadline but the Saudi system malfunctioned.
The Pakistan Ulema Council has appealed to the Saudi government for special relief.
In 2025, Pakistan’s Hajj quota was set at 179,210, with half of the quota meant to be managed by private Hajj operators. However, only 23,000 people were able to go under private operators. The private operators have held the Saudi online system responsible for the issue.
Ghulam Rasool, Hajj Operators Association: “We had sent the payments on February 13, but on the 14th, the system blocked. All hotel payments were also made. Whenever a new system is introduced, errors occur. Our demand is that the system be reopened for the 67,000 pilgrims.”
Ministry of Religious Affairs states that private tour operators deliberately delayed the process. The head of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, also believes the issue lies not with Saudi Arabia but with Pakistan’s operators.
Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, Head of Pakistan Ulema Council: “We made an agreement on February 14.
Ministry of Religious Affairs should have advertised and informed everyone that the 14th was the final date. The organizers' association should also have done its part. Both parties are at fault. This failure is on our side, and the pilgrims should not bear the consequences, especially when they have saved money all their life to say 'Labbayk' at Arafat.”
Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi has appealed for the Saudi government to offer special assistance to Pakistani pilgrims. He also urged the Prime Minister to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and hold the responsible parties accountable to prevent such issues in the future. Camera person Habib Hassan reports from Islamabad.
