Pakistan advises Hajj pilgrims to verify approved private operators before bookings
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs has advised all pilgrims performing Hajj through private tour operators to verify the authenticity and quota approval of a particular company before making bookings and payments, state-run APP news agency said on Thursday.
The total quota granted to Pakistan for Hajj 2025 was 179,210, which is usually divided equally between the government and the private schemes. This year, however, the private Hajj quota has been significantly reduced, impacting over 67,000 pilgrims.
Private operators were allotted 89,801 slots initially, but the final number was reduced to around 23,620 last month due to non-compliance of the private sector with Saudi booking regulations and deadlines.
In a report published by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Thursday, Religious Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt issued guidelines for Hajj pilgrims, including verifying the authenticity and quota approval of private tour operators before making payments, visiting the ministry's official website to confirm registration and avoiding reliance on unverified advertisements or information.
'The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has advised all prospective pilgrims intending to perform Hajj under the private Hajj scheme to exercise utmost caution when booking packages through private tour operators (Munazzameen),' APP said.
'The advisory comes after some private organizers failed to pay dues ... within the timeline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,' because of which they did not get permission to serve as Hajj operators.
Butt added that Hajj operators should not book pilgrims beyond their approved quotas.
While a precise number of worldwide pilgrims for Hajj 2025 is difficult to determine in advance, projections suggest it will be a record-breaking year, with over 2.5 million Muslims performing the pilgrimage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
3 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Japan says ‘progress' but no ‘agreement yet' in US tariff talks
Japan said Saturday it was making 'progress' in talks aimed at easing US President Donald Trump's tariffs but cautioned that the two sides have not found 'a point of agreement yet.' Japan, a key US ally and its biggest investor, is subject to the same 10 percent baseline tariffs imposed on most nations, plus steeper levies on cars, steel and aluminum. Trump also announced an additional 24 percent 'reciprocal' tariff on Japan in early April, but later paused it along with similar measures on other countries until early July. Japan wants all levies announced by Trump lifted. During a fifth round of talks, 'we further made progress toward an agreement,' Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo's trade envoy, told Japanese reporters in Washington. But, he added: 'We've not been able to find a point of agreement yet.' Akazawa said Tokyo was hoping to seal a deal 'as soon as possible.' However, talks may still be ongoing when a summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations starts on June 15. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump are reportedly planning to hold bilateral talks around the time of the G7 summit in Canada. Washington's 25-percent auto tariffs are particularly painful for Tokyo, with roughly eight percent of all Japanese jobs tied to the sector. Japan's economy, the world's fourth largest, contracted 0.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025, adding to pressure on the unpopular Ishiba ahead of upper house elections expected in July.
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims
RIYADH: As Hajj rituals continue to take place in the holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia's transport minister on Friday night toured a shuttle bus service used to move pilgrims from Mina to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the shuttle station west of the Jamarat complex, as pilgrims attempt to complete the Tawaf al-Ifadah inside the holy mosque in Makkah. The services uses a dedicated lane to transport approximately 20,000 passengers per hour on 100 busses on the short 20 minute journey northward to the Ground Mosque. The minister's visit is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to ensure the quality of services provided to pilgrims, a report on the Saudi Press Agency said. Over 1.6 million pilgrims are taking part in this year's Hajj, which is an annual event and a key pillar of Islam. Saudi authorities have said the event has been a success with various ministries and state institutions taking part in ensuring the safety and timely provision of services to pilgrims. In an address on Friday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: 'The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country's efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors.' The pilgrims, who are affectionately reffered to as the Guests of Allah, are encamped in the tent city of Mina and will be performing the 'stoning of the devil' ritual at the Jamarat over the next few days. They spent Thursday standing at the plain of Arafat, an act considered as the climax of Hajj, supplicating and asking forgiveness from Allah. On Friday, Muslims across the globe marked Eid Al-Adha, which is always celebrated the day after Arafat.
Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact
RIYADH: As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for Hajj, concern is growing over the environmental toll of one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings — particularly the vast quantities of plastic waste left behind. From water bottles to shopping bags, single-use plastics are a staple at major public events, and Hajj is no exception. Given the sheer volume of pilgrims, this waste can have lasting environmental consequences, unless mitigated by more sustainable choices. Fortunately, awareness is growing among individuals and organizations about the harm caused by plastic pollution. Many are now turning to greener alternatives to reduce their footprint during the holy season. Among the most commonly used items are plastic water bottles. With millions expected to be discarded during Hajj, experts and advocates say it is important to replace single-use items with reusable options or eliminate their use altogether. One local company working to address the issue is Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based provider of sustainable packaging. The company provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia's move away from disposable plastics. 'We proudly align our efforts with the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to a greener future through both innovation and local production,' Aboobacker Yousuf, chairman and managing director of the GP Group of Companies that owns Green Bags Saudi, told Arab News. Although the company will not be directly involved in this year's pilgrimage, Yousuf said it strongly advocates for more eco-conscious practices during Hajj. 'We recommend reusable cotton tote bags for carrying personal items, biodegradable hygiene kits, jute or canvas pouches for organizing belongings, and eco-friendly water bottles and cutlery sets,' he said. 'These items not only serve practical needs but also significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable plastics during the event.' Yousuf also encouraged pilgrims to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability. 'Choosing reusable items over disposable ones, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing plastic use can make a significant difference,' he said. 'By carrying cloth bags, refilling water bottles instead of buying plastic ones, and using compostable or biodegradable products, every pilgrim can contribute to preserving the holy sites and supporting Saudi Arabia's broader sustainability vision.' • 506 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2022, but only 9 percent were recycled. • Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life. • Plastic waste affects soil quality, damages plants, and contributes to groundwater pollution. • By 2050, the weight of plastic waste present in our oceans could surpass that of fish. While private companies are taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the public sector is also playing a key role in aligning Hajj services with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 — a national strategy that seeks to boost quality of life across the Kingdom. One standout example is the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, launched last month by the Fashion Commission. The program focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets. By embracing the principles of circular fashion, the initiative merges faith, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship — aiming to provide visitors with exceptional experiences while protecting natural resources. 'The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry,' said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, in comments to the Saudi Press Agency. As Hajj begins, such efforts underscore a growing sense of shared responsibility for the environment. With the support of private enterprise and government initiatives, more pilgrims are being empowered to make sustainable choices. By opting for reusable products, minimizing waste, and supporting eco-friendly innovations, pilgrims can help protect the sanctity of the holy sites — and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom and the planet.
