ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to give priority in the next Hajj to more than 60,000 intending pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj this year.
The decision was discussed during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, held under the chairmanship of Malik Amir Dogar. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and other officials were also present at the session.
The committee reviewed Hajj arrangements and emphasized the need to address grievances of those who were left out due to limited quota and other administrative constraints.
At the meeting, Aamir Dogar has directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to resolve the issue of 67,000 private pilgrims in the future, their Hajj dues should be returned and they should be accommodated in Hajj 2026.
On this, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs told the committee that 365 million rials of 63,000 pilgrims who lost the duty of the private Hajj scheme are lying in Saudi Arabia. The organization of private Hajj tour operators wants to give priority to those who lost the pilgrimage of Hajj last year.
Sardar Yusuf added that 455,000 pilgrims have been registered for Hajj 2026, the Prime Minister has also directed these pilgrims to give priority next year. The report of the inquiry committee constituted by the Prime Minister will be presented before the relevant forum once it is finalized, officials confirmed.
During the meeting, the committee called for a comparative briefing on the Hajj expenditures of neighboring countries of Pakistan, including India, Bangladesh and Iran.
Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the National Assembly Standing Committee that efforts are underway to make Hajj more affordable for Pakistani pilgrims.
One of the key proposals under consideration is to facilitate Hajj via sea travel, which is being explored as a cost-effective alternative. Officials noted that Interior Minister and Secretary for Religious Affairs are currently in Tehran, where the possibility of arranging Hajj through maritime routes is being discussed.
Additionally, the committee was told that avoiding the use of luxury accommodations in Saudi Arabia could further reduce the overall expenses of Hajj for pilgrims.
