Deadline failures cost thousands their Hajj dreams — Pakistan private Hajj scheme 2025 numbers slashed

In a major shake-up for aspiring pilgrims, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced a sharp cut in the Pakistan private Hajj scheme 2025, allowing only 23,620 participants under the private category. The announcement, made Thursday, underscores a drastic reduction compared to earlier expectations and sends a clear signal about tightening Saudi compliance requirements.

Initially, Pakistan had secured a generous total Hajj quota of 179,000 from Saudi Arabia, reserving 89,801 seats for private operators. However, due to widespread non-compliance with mandatory Saudi booking regulations—particularly the failure to arrange accommodation in Mina before the February 14 deadline—thousands of seats under the Pakistan private Hajj scheme 2025 were forfeited.

Private Sector Struggles: Pakistan Private Hajj Scheme 2025 Slashed

Out of the 89,801 available slots, only about 12,500 were successfully secured through Saudi Arabia’s official booking portal. When the portal abruptly closed, many private operators were left scrambling, having missed key deadlines despite early opportunities to transfer funds starting January 10. Ministry sources confirmed that multiple appeals for a deadline extension were denied by Saudi authorities, leaving the private sector with little room for recovery.

As a result, the Ministry of Religious Affairs formalized the new figure of 23,620 pilgrims under the Pakistan private Hajj scheme 2025. An updated list of approved Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) has now been published both on the Ministry’s website (https://pvt-inquiry.hajjinfo.org) and via the Pak Hajj 2025 mobile application.

Pilgrims are strongly advised to verify their booking statuses and confirm their contracts through these platforms. Additionally, HGOs have been instructed to issue updated contracts and ensure visa processing is completed by April 18, 2025, aligning strictly with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regulations.

For any concerns or clarifications, the Ministry has opened direct lines through its Monitoring Section (051-9218571, somonitoring@mora.gov.pk) and HGOs Section (051-9207519, sohgomora@gmail.com).