Islamabad: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, announced that private tour operators failed to meet the deadlines and comply with regulations set by the Saudi government. This announcement was made during a press conference in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the total Hajj quota for Pakistan was split equally between government and private schemes, with the government successfully utilizing its entire quota. However, the private sector did not remit funds on time and failed to adhere to the instructions issued by Saudi authorities. This non-compliance resulted in a significant portion of the private Hajj quota remaining unused.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf stated that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the issue. The minister emphasized that those responsible will face accountability once the inquiry report is submitted.