Pakistan still seeking remaining 65,000 Hajj applicants: Minister

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday said that Saudi Arabia had initially allocated a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan this year, equally divided between government and private sectors.

During a Senate session, the minister explained that, as per Saudi government directives, all Hajj companies (both public and private) were required to complete payments for accommodations, services (Tawafa), and other expenses by “February 14, 2025”.

Pilgrims registered under companies that met the deadline were successfully enrolled on the Saudi portal, while others lost their quota.

Sardar Yousuf clarified that this issue was not unique to Pakistan, as “300,000 to 350,000 pilgrims worldwide” faced similar challenges. However, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice, he personally intervened, requesting Saudi authorities for an extension. As a result, the deadline was extended until “February 21”, allowing an additional “13,600 Pakistani pilgrims” to complete their payments.

Following persistent efforts, the Saudi government granted Pakistan an extra quota of 10,000 pilgrims, of which around 23,000 to 25,000 applicants have since finalized their payments. So far, approximately 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims have been approved for Hajj 2025.

The minister assured that the government continues to negotiate for the remaining 65,000 applicants, emphasizing that he has visited Saudi Arabia twice and sent follow-up appeals to officials. He dismissed claims of delayed communication, stating that private Hajj companies were repeatedly reminded via official letters to adhere to Saudi deadlines.

Sardar Yousuf reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating all eligible pilgrims, saying, “We are seriously engaged with Saudi authorities to find a solution for the remaining applicants.”

Meanwhile, Senate Presiding Officer Sherry Rehman referred the matter to the Senate committee for further investigation and resolution.

National unity

Senator Irfan Ul Haq Siddiqui on Friday said that the national unity witnessed during recent tensions, will also be remembered as a shining chapter in Pakistan’s history.

Addressing the Senate session, Senator Siddiqui said that the most positive aspect of India’s aggression and Pakistan’s resounding victory is that today, the government and opposition stand united. “This national unity is the real success,” he said.

Criticizing India’s regional policies, he noted that India’s history is marred by strained relations with neighbouring countries. “Whether it’s Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka, India has never maintained friendly ties with any of them.”

Reiterating the demand for an independent investigation into the Palwama incident, Senator Siddiqui said, “We urge India to conduct a transparent inquiry into the incident, as suggested by our Prime Minister.”

In clear and unequivocal terms, he asserted, “India can never turn Pakistan into Gaza, and this message has been firmly conveyed to them.”

Praising the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces and the public’s solidarity, he added, “The unity demonstrated by the people and Parliament during this conflict is unparalleled. Our forces have proven that wars are not just fought with weapons, but with spirit, courage, and determination.”