67,000 Pakistanis’ Hajj pilgrimage through private operators encounters a problem due to the missed deadline in Saudi Arabia.

The endeavor of 67,000 Pakistanis to undertake Hajj via private operators appears to have transformed into an insurmountable challenge.

The deadline for visa issuance, as stipulated by Saudi authorities, was April 18. Private Hajj operators have attributed the delay to the Saudi government, asserting that they submitted the payments prior to the deadline; however, the Saudi software system experienced a malfunction.

The Pakistan Ulema Council has implored the Prime Minister to address the matter and solicit special treatment from the Saudi authorities. Osman Javed Malik of SAMAA reports from Islamabad.

The definitive date for visa issuance, as per the Saudi deadline, was April 18. Private Hajj operators have placed the blame for the delay on the Saudi government, stating that they had sent the payments before the deadline but the Saudi system malfunctioned.

The Pakistan Ulema Council has requested special assistance from the Saudi government.

In 2025, Pakistan’s Hajj quota was established at 179,210, with fifty percent allocated for management by private Hajj operators. Nevertheless, hardly 23,000 individuals were able to access private operators. The private operators have attributed the issue on the Saudi internet system.

Ghulam Rasool, Hajj Operators Association: “We transmitted the payments on February 13; however, the system became inoperative on the 14th.” All hotel payments have been completed. Errors arise whenever a new system is implemented. We demand the system be reopened for the 67,000 pilgrims.

Ministry of Religious Affairs states that private tour operators deliberately delayed the process. The head of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, also believes the issue lies not with Saudi Arabia but with Pakistan’s operators.

Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, Head of Pakistan Ulema Council: “We made an agreement on February 14.

Ministry of Religious Affairs should have advertised and informed everyone that the 14th was the final date. The organizers’ association should also have done its part. Both parties are at fault. This failure is on our side, and the pilgrims should not bear the consequences, especially when they have saved money all their life to say ‘Labbayk’ at Arafat.”

Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi has appealed for the Saudi government to offer special assistance to Pakistani pilgrims. He also urged the Prime Minister to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and hold the responsible parties accountable to prevent such issues in the future. Camera person Habib Hassan reports from Islamabad.