https://arab.news/9grqc
- Ministry says operators collected payments directly from pilgrims instead of using designated banks
- Private Hajj quota cut to 33 percent after 63,000 people missed last year’s pilgrimage due to mismanagement
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry sent a warning letter this week to 16 private Hajj companies, saying they had been taking payments from prospective pilgrims directly instead of using designated banks while threatening to blacklist them and cancel their quota if they fail to comply.
Pakistan traditionally divides the national Hajj quota equally between government and private schemes. Last year, nearly 63,000 pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj under the private scheme due to delayed payments and mismanagement, prompting the authorities to cut the private sector quota to 33 percent this year.
The ministry noted in its letter that no vouchers had been submitted by these companies, with their deposits showing a zero balance.
“This constitutes a serious violation of the Service Providers’ Agreement (SPA), Hajj Policy and Cabinet directives,” said the letter written on Sept. 15, a copy of which is in possession of Arab News.
The ministry asked these companies to ensure immediate compliance with the SPA and submit all relevant vouchers to banks.
“Please note that failure to comply with these directions shall invite strict action, including permanent blacklisting and revocation of your quota,” it added.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf told Arab News earlier this month Pakistan had filled its entire quota of 179,210 Hajj pilgrims under both the government and private schemes, adding that negotiations were underway with Saudi companies to finalize transport and accommodation arrangements.
He said the ministry had taken serious action against private Hajj operators since last year, and would review their performance this time and decide their future quotas accordingly.