Senate Blasts Govt for Rs. 36 Billion Loss After 63,000 Pakistanis Miss Hajj

A Senate subcommittee on Wednesday uncovered shocking details behind the failure of 63,000 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj last year and blamed the Ministry of Religious Affairs for all of it. The subcommittee submitted its investigation report to the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs. The report revealed that officials’ stubbornness cost Rs. 36 billion (490 million SAR) stranded in Saudi Arabia. One lawmaker said the Ministry used 9.1 million SAR belonging to private tour operators to settle its own affairs first. Only after fulfilling its internal objectives did it return the funds to their intended destination. He further disclosed that when private tour operators took the matter to the Sindh High Court, the Ministry responded by shutting down the account meant for Saudi transactions, effectively blocking any further action. The report also exposed how the Ministry and private tour operators both resisted implementing the new Hajj policy introduced by Saudi Arabia. The lawmaker criticized the Ministry for its lack of seriousness, saying no preparations are in place for the upcoming Hajj deadline either. In one of the most damning findings, the lawmaker revealed that Al-Raji Company was awarded the Hajj contract without any competitive bidding and was given full marks, while other applicants were unfairly scored lower. He emphasized that the bidding process must remain confidential and transparent. The subcommittee has demanded immediate suspension of all officers responsible for last year’s Hajj fiasco and called for giving priority to the 63,000 affected pilgrims in the next Hajj season. It also urged the government to recall DG Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro from Saudi Arabia without delay. Another lawmaker warned that many pilgrims have yet to be refunded, and if the Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to ignore the subcommittee’s findings, it would only confirm its direct involvement in the scandal.