PM warns against negligence after thousands miss Hajj pilgrimage
Listen to article
In the wake of serious administrative lapses that prevented more than 67,000 prospective pilgrims from performing Hajj this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to immediately begin planning and logistical preparations for Hajj 2026.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad on Saturday, the prime minister said such negligence would not be tolerated in the future, and instructed the ministry to develop a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the Hajj policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
'Serving the Hajj pilgrims is a sacred responsibility. Any negligence in this regard next year will be unacceptable,' the prime minister was quoted as saying during the meeting.
Read More: 'Private Hajj quota' lost due to negligence
In 2025, Saudi Arabia had allocated a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan, traditionally split evenly between the government and private Hajj operators. However, delays and mismanagement in meeting procedural requirements led to the underutilisation of the quota—particularly in the private sector.
As a result, the private sector's share dropped from the allocated 89,801 slots to just 25,698, leaving over 67,000 pilgrims unable to travel.
The lapse prompted the prime minister to form a three-member inquiry committee in April to investigate the failure to comply with the Kingdom's Hajj policy.
To prevent a repeat of this year's debacle, the prime minister directed that early and detailed arrangements be made, including immediate coordination with Saudi authorities. He also instructed the regularisation of the private Hajj scheme to ensure better oversight and compliance.
He also ordered the presentation of a plan of action soon after the period of Hajj for the upcoming year is determined.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Musadik Malik, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other relevant departments. A formal plan of action is expected to be submitted soon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
FBR introduces Pakistan's first AI-powered customs clearance system
In a major move towards digitisation, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) unveiled Pakistan's first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Customs Clearance and Risk Management System (RMS). The new system, launched on the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at enhancing transparency, reducing human intervention, and facilitating trade, is expected to enhance the efficiency of import-export operations. The development came to light during a meeting regarding matters related to FBR held on Monday, read a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The briefing was told that under this system the cost and nature of goods, during import and export operations, will now be assessed using AI and bots. It was learnt that the risk management system will continue to improve automatically through machine learning, alongside the movement of goods. The meeting was informed that during initial testing, the new system demonstrated over 92% improved performance. The RMS not only determined 83% more Goods Declarations (GDs) for tax collection but also enabled 2.5 times more GDs to be cleared through the green channel. Pakistan's e-commerce sector faces operational costs surge amid new taxes The attendees were told that the new RMS will bring transparency to the system, minimize human intervention, and facilitate the business community. The system will allow instant and efficient estimation of goods and their value, resulting in time savings, the meeting noted. 'Reforming the FBR is among the top priorities of the government,' said PM Shehbaz. 'By automating the tax system, we are making it more transparent and effective. This technology-driven system will ease doing business and provide convenience to taxpayers,' he added. The prime minister also instructed that the new system be made integrated and sustainable, and praised the officers and staff involved in developing the new RMS. Moreover, a review meeting, chaired by PM Shehbaz, was held to assess ongoing FBR reforms. The meeting was informed about video analytics-based measures to improve tax collection in the manufacturing sector. The PM was told that through this system, tax recovery will be conducted in an automated and transparent manner. This will increase government revenue and allow taxpayers to pay taxes without human interaction. The system is low-cost and showed 98% efficiency during initial testing. Officials also briefed the meeting on the system's potential to increase tax collection from the manufacturing sector.
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan observes 26th martyrdom anniversary of Havildar Lalak Jan
The 26th martyrdom anniversary of Kargil war hero Havildar Lalak Jan Shaheed, recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, is being observed across Pakistan today. Havildar Lalak Jan laid down his life in July 1999 while valiantly defending his post during the Kargil conflict. Despite sustaining critical injuries, he refused evacuation and continued to repel enemy attacks until he embraced martyrdom. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Lalak Jan's legacy serves as a lasting source of inspiration for present and future generations of the Pakistan Armed Forces. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Lalak Jan Shaheed, recognising his courage and selflessness. The president said the martyr's sacrifice remains a shining example of determination and will be remembered in golden words in the country's history. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Lalak Jan foiled the enemy's nefarious designs without regard for his own life and made the ultimate sacrifice. He added that the courage of Lalak Jan could not be shaken by enemy aggression. The premier reaffirmed that the sacrifices of Pakistan's martyrs and their families are a source of national pride, and the entire nation stands firmly with the Armed Forces. In a joint message, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and the Armed Forces paid heartfelt homage to Lalak Jan Shaheed, acknowledging his unparalleled bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
PM lauds provinces, security forces for effective security measures on Youm-e-Ashur
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of Ashura processions across the country, praising the chief ministers of all provinces as well as law enforcement agencies for ensuring effective security arrangements. 'The peaceful and smooth observance of Youm-e-Ashur was made possible due to the effective and professional planning of the provincial governments and security agencies,' said Sharif. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Sunday to brief him on the overall security situation and arrangements made for Youm-e-Ashur. During the meeting, Naqvi outlined the measures taken by law enforcement and security agencies to ensure public safety during the religious observance. PM expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of Ashura processions across the country. He commended the efforts of Chief Ministers Maryam Nawaz (Punjab), Murad Ali Shah (Sindh), Ali Amin Gandapur (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa), and Mir Sarfraz Bugti (Balochistan). He also praised Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Gulbar Khan for ensuring effective security in their respective territories. He further appreciated the role of the police, provincial administrations, Rangers, and security forces in maintaining law and order. Read More: Central Ashura processions culminate peacefully across Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that all necessary steps had been taken to provide security and facilitate the public during Ashura. Premier lauded Naqvi for efficiently overseeing the arrangements at the federal level, calling his coordination efforts "commendable."
