In a shocking administrative blunder, funds allocated for over 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims for Hajj 2025 were mistakenly transferred to an incorrect account, officials confirmed on Friday.
According to sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the error occurred during a bulk transaction process where millions of rupees, meant to cover travel and accommodation expenses for the pilgrims, were deposited into a wrong bank account. The mistake reportedly stemmed from a clerical error during the compilation of account details.
Authorities have launched an urgent inquiry into the incident, and efforts are underway to retrieve the misplaced funds. Officials assured that the error would not impact the Hajj arrangements for the affected pilgrims.
“The ministry has taken immediate notice and is working closely with the banks involved to recover the funds. Pilgrims’ travel plans remain unchanged,” a spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, the government has directed an internal audit and ordered disciplinary action against those responsible. The incident has raised serious concerns over the handling of large financial transactions within key national projects.
This year, Pakistan is sending a total of approximately 180,000 pilgrims for Hajj under both government and private schemes. The mishandling of such critical funds has drawn criticism from various quarters, with calls for greater accountability and transparency in the process.
