The hopes of a Lyari-based family in Karachi to perform Hajj this year have been shattered, despite having paid significant sums, according to international media reports.
Shahid Hassan, along with his brother, sister-in-law, and two friends, submitted applications for Hajj and deposited Rs 1.2 million each in February. However, they are now unable to travel to Saudi Arabia to fulfill their religious obligation.
Speaking to the media, Shahid said, “We formed committees, sold our jewelry, and gathered the funds. This wasn’t just money, it represented our hopes, intentions, and a sacred duty.”
Shahid and his companions are among an estimated 67,000 Pakistanis who will miss Hajj this year, despite timely applications and full payments through private Hajj operators.
The failure stems from private operators’ inability to complete necessary arrangements by the Saudi government’s deadline of February 14.
Hajj operators have cited severe delays and technical issues with Saudi Arabia’s new ‘Nasq’ portal, which is responsible for processing pilgrim data and payments. These complications prevented thousands from being registered in time.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, stated on Monday that the government is making efforts to reinstate the quota for the 67,000 affected pilgrims. He added that Pakistan currently has a confirmed quota of 10,000 pilgrims, secured through the efforts of Saudi Hajj Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
According to the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, should the Saudi government allow other Muslim countries to accommodate those who missed the deadline, Pakistani pilgrims will be prioritized.
The Ministry of Hajj noted that Pakistan had a formal agreement with Saudi Arabia to finalize all arrangements by February 14. Unfortunately, private Hajj operators failed to meet this commitment.
