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Only 23,620 Pakistani pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj under the private scheme this year, according to a fresh notification by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Despite receiving a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims under its Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia for 2025, the private Hajj quota figures are drastically lower than the expected number, 89K government and 23,620 private.
As per earlier announcements, around 90,000 pilgrims were to go under the government scheme. Now, the limited private quota leaves 67,000 private applicants uncertain.
The ministry updated the list of licensed Hajj service providers on its official website and Pak Hajj App, allowing applicants to verify their contracts and application status.
Pilgrims registered with private service providers have been instructed to ensure visa processing is completed by April 18, as per Saudi Arabia’s directive.
READ: Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia announces new rules for hotels
Another notice outlined the preparation details, including mandatory vaccinations and temporary Hajj camps in Hyderabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Rahim Yar Khan.
According to the plan, two days before departure, pilgrims will receive their visa, air ticket, ID locket, data sheet for luggage, and a free Zong SIM.
However, concern emerged in the Senate Committee on Religious Affairs over the fate of tens of thousands of remaining applicants not accommodated in the private quota.
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The committee was told by the Secretary of Religious Affairs that the Foreign Office informed them only 10,000 slots are officially available for private pilgrims this year.
With 67,000 individuals left out, the committee has requested a letter to be sent to the Prime Minister, urging intervention and a possible solution to the issue.
