All Pakistan Hajj Joint Action Committee Holds Press Conference
Islamabad – Central President Faheem Yasin Butt of the All Pakistan Hajj Joint Action Committee criticized the Ministry of Religious Affairs for poor coordination with private tour operators this Hajj season. He stated that while Hajj arrangements had run smoothly in previous years, this year saw significant mismanagement.
According to President Butt, the Ministry finalized its own bookings early, while private Hajj organizers delayed their processes, affecting 67,000 pilgrims. As a result, only 23,000 will be able to perform Hajj from the private sector.
He held the Ministry primarily responsible, citing ongoing tensions between the Ministry and private operators. Butt expressed sympathy for those unable to go and urged the President and Prime Minister to intervene and ensure justice for affected pilgrims.
He also noted that Saudi Arabia usually offers deadline extensions, but none were granted this year. He blamed former Secretary Zulfiqar Haider and HOPE officials for the crisis, adding that misguidance from ministry bureaucrats misled federal ministers and caused further delays, including funds being sent to incorrect accounts.
Butt demanded full refunds for all affected pilgrims and called for strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s timeline for planning future Hajj operations.