KARACHI, Feb 1: People who had applied for Haj visas under the open scheme through the ministry of religious affairs have been facing hardships as neither they have been issued visas nor are being provided with any information.

About fourteen thousands intending Hujjaj had submitted their international passports following an announcement that all those who would apply under the scheme would get visas.

They were also given assurances reportedly by the Saudi ambassador in this regard. As the Saudi airports will be closed on Feb 5 for Haj flights, the intending Hujjaj are in a state of anxiety.

Many of them approached Dawn, asking where they could get the information about their applications.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...