Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has pledged significantly improved services for Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj 2025, assuring that they will be treated “like VIPs.” His remarks come in response to ongoing concerns over inadequate facilities and support faced by pilgrims in previous years.
Speaking at the annual Hajj Conference in Islamabad, the minister stated, “This time, our pilgrims will experience Hajj like VIPs. Saudi authorities are committed to providing equal facilities, and the Government of Pakistan will ensure that no gaps remain in the arrangements.”
He clarified that the Ministry of Religious Affairs is not a commercial organisation, but one guided by the values of Pakistan’s ideology and Islam. Recalling his previous tenure in 2013, he said only 5,000 applications were submitted for Hajj, whereas by 2016, that number had risen to 500,000, thanks to improved services and better planning.
Sardar Yousaf acknowledged previous shortcomings and assured that coordination with Saudi authorities is stronger than ever. He stressed that funds submitted through the official Hajj portal will be fully utilized, and efforts are ongoing to resolve any remaining issues.
Despite holding the ministerial portfolio for just a month, he noted that he has taken proactive steps. “The Prime Minister has given me the responsibility of ensuring a smooth Hajj. I’ve personally visited Saudi Arabia to inspect the arrangements. Many Pakistani pilgrims are already there,” he said.
The minister also credited himself, Allama Tahir Ashrafi, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for successfully securing an additional Hajj quota of 10,000 pilgrims. He clarified, however, that this quota is part of the existing private Hajj allocations, not a completely new allotment.
He concluded by reaffirming his dedication:
“We will implement all recommendations outlined in the report submitted by the committee formed by the Prime Minister.”
