With just one day left before the Saudi Arabia-set deadline for issuing passports to Hajj welfare staff, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged the Director General of Passports to keep passport offices open nationwide on Saturday and Sunday, reported 24NewsHD TV.
In an official letter, the ministry termed the matter extremely urgent, stressing that passports of welfare staff must be uploaded on a designated app by December 21.
Sources told 24NewsHD TV that an emergency has been declared at the ministry, with all staff leave cancellations to expedite the process. Despite the urgency, several welfare staff members are still awaiting passport issuance.
The ministry also requested the immediate issuance of passports for 268 members of the Hajj Medical Mission, noting that they are linked to the armed forces and require urgent clearance.
The situation comes amid lingering concerns, as more than 63,000 Pakistanis were unable to perform Hajj in 2025, highlighting ongoing administrative challenges in Hajj arrangements.