Officials Say Only PM, MBS Intervention Can Resolve Hajj Quota Deadlock

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) — The fate of over 67,000 Pakistani Hajj applicants hangs in the balance, with officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Directorate General of Hajj stating that only direct intervention by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) can resolve the crisis.

In separate briefings to the National Assembly and Senate Standing Committees on Religious Affairs, officials painted a grim picture for those still hoping to perform Hajj this year. The committees were told that efforts to reclaim the lapsed quota have yielded little progress, and any remaining hopes now rest on top-level diplomatic engagement.

Officials revealed that while advance payments sent through official government channels would be refunded—though subject to a 15% deduction—funds transferred via unofficial means or through private operators may not be recoverable. DG Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro, speaking online from Saudi Arabia, clarified that only payments made to the Saudi government’s designated account are eligible for partial refunds.

He disclosed that SAR1.1 billion had been collected from Hajj operators, while funds sent via informal methods like Hundi are beyond government accountability. He also confirmed that amounts still in Pakistan’s government account would be fully refunded.

During the National Assembly session, private tour operators accused the DG Hajj of mistakenly transferring SAR50 million to the wrong Saudi account, delaying the process by 28 days. They also blamed the ministry’s Hajj wing for obstructing efforts to meet the official quota deadlines.

Muhammad Bilal, representing the Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP), said operators had submitted payments for 77,000 pilgrims by February 14, but the ministry prioritized the government Hajj scheme instead. He argued that securing the remaining quota was still possible if pursued seriously.

However, Federal Secretary Dr. Ataur Rehman advised against further quota discussions, citing a firm response from Saudi authorities that no additional slots would be granted. He attributed part of the issue to banking restrictions that limited one-time international transfers to $300,000, preventing private operators from processing more than 13,260 applicants before the Saudi portal closed.

He also acknowledged ongoing inquiries but requested they be postponed until the completion of Hajj operations, pledging accountability thereafter.

Malik Amir Dogar, chair of the National Assembly committee, labeled the quota lapse “the biggest scandal in Pakistan’s Hajj history” and announced a subcommittee would seek a direct meeting with the prime minister to appeal for action. Committee members criticized both the ministry and private operators for the debacle.

In the Senate session, Dr. Rehman confirmed that “the chapter is closed” for 2024, adding that affected applicants would be offered Hajj in 2025 at the same cost. He further revealed that an additional 10,000 quota, allocated after February 12, had been given to Bangladesh and India.

Senator Aon Abbas raised concerns about the ministry’s failure to stop private operators from collecting and transferring large sums even after the quota had expired. A Senate subcommittee was also formed to investigate the matter and assign responsibility.

Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf expressed regret over the situation but said Saudi Arabia had not officially closed the door on negotiations. He remains hopeful the prime minister’s committee will offer a path forward, noting that Pakistan’s rightful Hajj quota should exceed 210,000 based on population, rather than the current 179,610.

As it stands, however, any resolution now hinges on a breakthrough at the highest diplomatic level.

Source: Web Desk