Riyadh, April 29, 2025 – A high-ranking official from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has categorically denied reports suggesting that funds for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims were transferred to an incorrect account. The official labeled the allegations as “unfounded” and emphasized the robustness of the Kingdom’s electronic Hajj platform, which is designed to ensure transparency and precision in financial transactions.
The clarification comes in response to recent reports in Pakistani media claiming that significant sums intended for Hajj-related expenses were erroneously sent to an account associated with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) instead of the Saudi Hajj ministry.
“These reports are entirely baseless and arise from a misinterpretation of how our Hajj account management system functions,” the official stated. “The ministry’s digital platform adheres to the highest standards of accountability, ensuring that all transactions are secure and accurate.”
The official elaborated that preparations for the 2025 Hajj season were finalized well in advance, with clear deadlines for contracts and logistical arrangements. While Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs successfully completed all required agreements for government-sponsored pilgrims, several private tour operators missed critical deadlines, a recurring issue from previous years. This led to some pilgrims being unable to complete the necessary entry procedures for the pilgrimage.
Saudi authorities underscored their ongoing collaboration with Pakistani officials to streamline arrangements for the upcoming Hajj, scheduled for June 2025. Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, with approximately 89,000 traveling under the government scheme and 23,620 through private operators. However, the full quota could not be utilized, prompting Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to establish a committee to investigate the shortfall, particularly among private operators.
On Tuesday, Pakistan commenced its Hajj flight operations, with the first group of 442 pilgrims departing from Islamabad to Madinah. Saudi Arabia reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.
