BAJAUR: Scores of pilgrims, who have applied for Haj under the private scheme, here on Friday staged a demonstration, demanding the issuance of visas with immediate effect.

The demonstration held outside the Bajaur Press Club was also attended by a number of private Haj operators.

The protesters hailing from different areas of the district and holding placards inscribed with multiple slogans expressed concern over the decision that only 23,620 pilgrims would be allowed to perform Haj under the private Haj scheme this year across the country.

Calling the decision a bid to deprive thousands of pilgrims from performing the Haj, the protesters said about 350 aspirants had applied under the private Haj scheme from Bajaur, but they had yet to receive visas.

The protesters said the decision to reduce the quota for pilgrims under the private Haj scheme was causing them immense mental distress, as performing Haj had been a lifelong aspiration for them.

The protesters appealed to the prime minister, the federal minister for religious affairs, and the Saudi crown prince to personally intervene in the matter.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2025