Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims are set to miss out on performing Hajj 2025 as only a limited quota has been approved, ARY News reported. With just a day left before the first flight departs, the situation remains critical for many.
The first flight from Islamabad to Saudi Arabia will depart on April 29, officially launching Pakistan’s Hajj 2025 operations. However, out of 90,830 private pilgrims who initially planned to travel, only 23,620 will be able to perform Hajj this year — meaning only 26% will get the chance, while nearly three out of every four pilgrims will be left behind.
Uncertainty and Disappointment
Despite instructions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to form an investigative committee, no significant progress has been made. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed it could not secure any special concessions for the private pilgrims this year. As a result, the fate of 67,210 disappointed pilgrims remains uncertain.
Hajj Flights Begin April 29
The first flight carrying 393 pilgrims from Islamabad will depart on April 29. Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs welcomed the Road to Makkah delegation at Islamabad Airport, marking the beginning of this year’s Hajj journey.
Under the Road to Makkah project, 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025:
- 28,000 pilgrims from Islamabad
- 22,500 pilgrims from Karachi
In total, 100 flights from Islamabad and 80 flights from Karachi will operate under the project. Special counters have been set up at both airports to streamline the process.
Immigration Process Simplified
In a significant change this year, the immigration process for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims will be completed in Pakistan itself instead of Saudi Arabia, aiming to ease the travel experience and reduce wait times upon arrival.
