An inquiry has been launched into the failure to utilize the private Hajj quota due to non-compliance with Saudi requirements.
A meeting of the investigative committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Cabinet Division, convened to address the matter.
During the session, Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, the Secretary for Religious Affairs, informed the committee that private Hajj operators had breached the agreement. Despite the allocation of 89,801 slots, only 12,500 bookings were made, leaving 77,000 pilgrims at risk of missing out on Hajj this year.
Read more: PM Shehbaz Directs Inquiry into Cut in Private Hajj Quota
The committee was also briefed that Saudi Arabia refused to extend the deadline for the agreement, even though Pakistan had requested it. The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs had sought an extension for the Hajj booking deadline, but the request was denied.
The briefing further revealed that a tripartite agreement was signed on December 10 between private Hajj operators, the Saudi Ministry, and the Pakistan Hajj Mission. The Pakistani government allowed tour operators to begin transferring funds to Saudi Arabia starting January 10, with Saudi Arabia setting the final booking deadline for February 14 to ensure adequate preparations for pilgrims.
The inquiry committee is tasked with determining accountability within three days regarding the failure to adhere to Saudi policies.
