Pakistan, May 28 -- LAHORE, May 28, 2025 - Over 65,000 Pakistani pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj this year due to bureaucratic delays and policy mismanagement, according to the Hajj Operators Association of Pakistan and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

At a joint press conference, senior representatives from both organizations expressed deep concern over the missed opportunity. They said the Ministry of Religious Affairs delayed the approval of Pakistan's Hajj policy until November 27, 2024, even though Saudi Arabia announced its Hajj policy back in June 2024.

This five-month delay, they claimed, left private Hajj operators with little time to process applications, bookings, and travel arrangements, ultimately ba...