Complaints range from poor housing and delayed transportation services to substandard food and lack of administrative support.
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistani pilgrims performing the 2026 Hajj have filed a series of complaints against Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf over what they described as poor arrangements during the pilgrimage, with some pilgrims also announcing their intention to take legal action against the authorities.
The pilgrims said they had paid up to Rs 1.2 million each for the Hajj, but still faced serious difficulties due to inadequate facilities and mismanagement. Complaints ranged from poor housing and delayed transportation services to substandard food and lack of administrative support.
According to the pilgrims, the beds provided to them were uncomfortable and the means of transport did not arrive on time, which caused considerable difficulties during the pilgrimage. They further alleged that poor quality food was served to them and on several occasions they were even provided with burnt meals.
“We have no one here to take care of us and we have been left helpless,” the pilgrims complained, adding that despite their repeated concerns, their grievances were not taken into account by the authorities.
In response to growing criticism, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf assured pilgrims that their complaints would be resolved and promised to take action over the poor arrangements.
“I will take action on inadequate arrangements,” the minister said in response to complaints about the management of the Hajj.
Yousaf visited the Pakistani pilgrim camps at Mina and Arafat and reviewed the arrangements and facilities provided during the most important days of Hajj.
The minister met the pilgrims, listened to their concerns and asked officials there to immediately resolve complaints or operational issues faced by Pakistani pilgrims. He said that a proper grievance handling system had been put in place for pilgrims and added that the arrangements made during this year’s Hajj remained very satisfactory.
Speaking to APP, the minister said that Pakistan was making continuous efforts every year to improve Hajj facilities and pilgrimage services and noted that better arrangements were ensured during Hajj 1447 AH.
In related news, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Pakistani pilgrim camps in Mina, where he reviewed the arrangements made. (With contribution from APP)
