ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has described this year’s Hajj as historic, saying that preparations for next year’s pilgrimage have already begun following the receipt of the Saudi Hajj Policy and timeline.
Speaking at a post-Hajj press conference in Makkah on Tuesday, the Minister expressed profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their excellent arrangements and historical hospitality extended to over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims.
“The 2025 Hajj was historic compared to previous years, and Pakistani pilgrims were provided exceptional services and facilities,” Yousaf said.
Congratulating all Hajj pilgrims on the successful completion of their sacred journey, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring timely and enhanced arrangements for next year, in accordance with the guidance provided by the Saudi authorities.
He also highlighted that Pakistan’s DG Hajj, Abdul Wahab Soomro, was honoured with an Excellence Award by the Saudi Minister of Hajj in recognition of his innovative leadership, administrative excellence, and outstanding service.
“This award from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is a matter of pride for Pakistan.” The DG was ranked first among seven heads of Hajj missions.
Providing further details, he noted that for the first time in the history of the government Hajj scheme, air conditioners along with coolers were installed in the tents at Mina. Additionally, gypsum board walls, sofa-cum-beds, overhead shelves, and shoe racks were provided to enhance the comfort of the pilgrims.
He also mentioned that B-category facilities were offered at a D-category fee, making the services affordable without compromising on quality. Pilgrims were served five meals a day—three fresh and two packed—along with juices, tea, mineral water, and ice cream in both Mina and Arafat.
Acknowledging the smooth execution of Hajj operations despite challenges caused by the Pakistan-India conflict, the Minister praised the Pakistan Hajj Mission and PIA for ensuring the timely arrival of all pilgrims.
He described the government Hajj scheme as the most economical in the region while maintaining high-quality services. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Short Hajj Scheme, introduced last year, saw a significant increase in registrations, rising from 17,000 to 21,000.
He informed that 186 safe and comfortable buildings were hired in Makkah for pilgrims, offering free family accommodation where possible, while in Madinah, 100% of pilgrims were accommodated in three and five-star hotels in close proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque.
Speaking about healthcare, he said a team of 400 medical professionals, including doctors and paramedics, delivered round-the-clock medical services. He added that 72 seriously ill pilgrims were especially facilitated to perform Hajj via ambulance, with a dedicated tent in Arafat.
