ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has been directed to refund Rs. 36.43 billion to over 67,000 pilgrims who could not perform Hajj this year.
This decision follows administrative delays and issues with private Hajj operators failing to meet new Saudi requirements.
A Senate sub-committee on Religious Affairs announced the refund directive, aiming to reimburse pilgrims by August 15 without deductions.
Background and Cause of Refunds
Saudi Arabia allocated 179,210 Hajj slots to Pakistan in 2025, with 90,830 reserved for private operators.
A new policy required private tour operators to organize pilgrim groups between 500 and 2,000 people.
Unfortunately, none of the 903 registered private operators in Pakistan fulfilled this condition, resulting in cancellations and stranded pilgrims.
Relief for Affected Pilgrims
The sub-committee stressed that the total funds held in Saudi Arabia must be fully returned to the affected pilgrims.
This move offers much-needed financial relief to thousands of aspiring Hajj pilgrims left in uncertainty.
Senator Aon Abbas Buppi reaffirmed that refunds should be made in full, without deductions for currency changes or service fees.
