Holy journey, unholy experience

Express Tribune

23-03-2025

As a recent pilgrim to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, I am compelled to express my deep concern and disappointment over the deplorable treatment of Pakistani pilgrims by unscrupulous travel agents. The lack of accountability and oversight has led to a systemic exploitation of pilgrims, who are often left vulnerable and disillusioned.
Every Muslim aspires to visit these sacred cities, and millions from around the world make the journey each year. However, for first-time pilgrims, navigating the complexities of travel arrangements can be daunting. This is where travel agents come in, promising luxurious accommodations and seamless experiences. But, more often than not, these promises prove to be empty.
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, many pilgrims are left stranded, with no one to receive them or guide them to their accommodations. The difficulties only mount from there, with agents back in Pakistan either unreachable or unresponsive to pleas for help. Pilgrims are often forced to rely on the kindness of strangers or the assistance of fellow travelers to navigate the unfamiliar terrain.
To add insult to injury, many agents fail to provide accommodations near the holy sites, forcing pilgrims to travel long distances, often missing crucial prayers and gatherings. The lack of empathy and understanding displayed by these agents is unacceptable, and their actions are a disservice to the values of hospitality and respect that are hallmarks of our faith.
It is shocking that while the Saudi government treats pilgrims with utmost respect and dignity, our own travel agents exploit and mistreat them. The practice of charging exorbitant rates for subpar services including hotel rooms is rampant, with some agents charging foreigners 100% more than the original price. This is not only a financial burden but also a betrayal of trust, as pilgrims are often forced to part with their hard-earned savings in exchange for promises that are never fulfilled.
The Government of Pakistan needs to take immediate action against these unscrupulous travel agencies. A complaint cell should be established at airports, allowing returning pilgrims to report their experiences and seek justice. The government must ensure that travel agencies are held accountable for their actions, and that pilgrims are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Riaz Ali Panhwar
Hyderabad