Islamabad, April 21, 2025: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has assured that Pakistani pilgrims will be treated “like VIPs” during Hajj 2025, promising enhanced facilities and improved coordination with Saudi authorities to address longstanding concerns over pilgrimage arrangements.
Speaking at the Annual Hajj Conference held in Islamabad, the minister said, “This time, our pilgrims will perform Hajj like VIPs because Saudi authorities are ensuring equal facilities for all, and the Government of Pakistan will also ensure that no gaps remain.”
He emphasized that the Ministry of Religious Affairs is not a commercial body, but one driven by the ideology of Pakistan and Islam. Recalling his previous tenure, Sardar Yousaf noted that the number of Hajj applications had increased significantly—from just 5,000 in 2013 to 500,000 by 2016—due to better packages and more efficient services.
Acknowledging past shortcomings, the minister assured attendees that arrangements this year have been significantly improved, and coordination with Saudi counterparts has been strengthened. “The money sent through the official Hajj portal will not go to waste. We are committed to resolving all outstanding issues,” he said.
Despite holding the portfolio for only a month, Sardar Yousaf stated that he has moved swiftly to ensure a smooth Hajj experience. “The Prime Minister has entrusted me with this sacred responsibility. I personally visited Saudi Arabia to review the arrangements, and a large number of Pakistani pilgrims have already arrived.”
He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of Allama Tahir Ashrafi, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and the Saudi Hajj Minister, which resulted in an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims for Pakistan. The minister clarified that this quota falls under the private Hajj scheme, not a separate allocation.
Concluding his address, Sardar Yousaf reiterated his commitment to ensuring a seamless pilgrimage. “We are acting on the recommendations of the committee formed by the Prime Minister, and we will implement every instruction to improve the Hajj experience for our citizens.”
