In a major relief for thousands of Pakistani pilgrims who missed Hajj this year under the private scheme, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that they will be allowed to perform Hajj next year without paying any additional amount.

According to informed sources, between 25,000 and 26,000 pilgrims who were unable to travel this year will be accommodated in 2026 under the same financial terms.

The assurance was given by the Ministry in coordination with the Haj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP), which represents private Hajj operators.

The commitment has also been officially confirmed by the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs.

Sources further revealed that the funds deposited by these pilgrims are still securely held in Saudi Arabia. Approximately SR490 million (Rs36 billion) remain intact in “wallet” accounts within the Kingdom’s banking system.

Officials at the Ministry disclosed that although it was previously claimed that the full quota of 67,000 private Hajj slots was utilized last year, in reality, only around 63,000 pilgrims travelled.Thousands were left behind due to incomplete bookings by private Hajj operators.

The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs has already held both the Ministry and private operators responsible for the mismanagement.

The Committee’s chairman stated clearly that the exclusion of thousands of Pakistanis from Hajj this year was due to the inefficiency and negligence of both stakeholders.