Complaints range from poor accommodation, delays in transport services, poor food and lack of administrative support.
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistani pilgrims performing Hajj 2026 lodged 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 plans to file a court case against the authorities.
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 accommodation and delays in transport services to poor food and lack of administrative support.
According to pilgrims, the beds provided were uncomfortable and transportation did not arrive on time, causing considerable difficulties during the pilgrimage. They further allege that they were served low-quality food and stated that on several occasions they were even provided with burnt food.
“We have no one here to take care of us and we have been left defenseless,” the pilgrims complained, adding that despite repeatedly expressing their concern, the authorities were not heeding their complaints.
Responding to growing criticism, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf assured pilgrims that their grievances would be resolved and promised to take action on poor arrangements.
“I will take action on inadequate provisions,” the minister said when responding to complaints about the management of the Hajj.
Yousaf visited Pakistani pilgrim camps in 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 directed officials at the site to immediately resolve any complaints or operational issues faced by Pakistani pilgrims. He said that an adequate complaint management system for pilgrims had been established, adding that the arrangements during this year’s Hajj had remained very satisfactory.
Speaking to APP, the minister said that Pakistan was making continuous efforts every year to improve Hajj facilities and services for pilgrims and noted that better arrangements had been ensured during the Hajj of 1447 AH.
In a related development, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Pakistani pilgrim camps in Mina, where he reviewed the arrangements. (With input from the APP)
