Future of Hajj Scheme: Potential End After 2025
Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dr. Zulfiqar Haider, has revealed that the government is considering stepping back from managing Hajj arrangements, with potential plans to hand over the entire Hajj program to private operators starting in 2026. This significant shift in Hajj operations was highlighted during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, chaired by Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman.
Dr. Haider disclosed that, in response to directives from Saudi Arabia, the number of companies involved in Hajj operations had been drastically reduced from 500 to 162 last year. As a result, the Ministry of Religious Affairs aims to relinquish its role in overseeing Hajj arrangements, paving the way for private operators to take charge of all Hajj operations next year.
Concerns Over Private Hajj Operators
During the committee meeting, Secretary Haider emphasized that Saudi Arabia had expressed reservations about the excessive number of companies engaged in Hajj services. Consequently, the number of companies was further reduced to 46, with each company being allocated a quota of 2,000 pilgrims. Private Hajj operators reported receiving 80 complaints regarding their services, whereas government-run Hajj schemes faced a staggering 18,000 complaints.
Challenges Faced by Private Operators
Private Hajj operators have faced challenges, with some resorting to legal action in the Sindh High Court. The court’s demand for meeting minutes may impact the operators’ quotas, potentially leading to the cancellation of private quotas by Saudi Arabia if the issue remains unresolved.
Efforts to Resolve Differences
The committee discussed solutions to address the grievances of private Hajj operators, with Dr. Dinesh Kumar proposing potential measures to bridge the gap between operators and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. A lighthearted moment ensued when Dr. Kumar’s expertise on Hajj was humorously acknowledged by Chairman Maulana Ataur Rahman, showcasing a moment of camaraderie amidst serious deliberations.
In light of the impending changes to the Hajj scheme post-2025, it is imperative for private operators and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to collaborate and reach a consensus to avoid disruptions that could impact Pakistan’s reputation on the global stage. The delicate balance between honoring agreements with Saudi Arabia and addressing the concerns of private operators remains a pressing issue that requires swift resolution to ensure a seamless transition in the future of Hajj operations.
