By Our Correspondent
KARACHI: Lawmakers from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) have voiced strong concern over significant delays in visa issuance for over 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims preparing for Hajj this year. In an urgent and firm statement, the parliamentarians called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and all relevant authorities to swiftly address the backlog and guarantee timely processing of the pending travel documents.
The MQM-P representatives underscored the emotional and spiritual toll these delays are causing. Many of the pilgrims, who have registered through official Hajj schemes after years of saving and hopeful anticipation, remain without their visas despite their scheduled departures drawing near. The lawmakers emphasized that for these individuals, the journey is not simply a matter of travel logistics, but a deeply personal and sacred commitment — a fulfillment of a lifelong spiritual obligation.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the MQM-P described the delays as more than mere bureaucratic inefficiency. They stressed that the issue strikes at the core of religious devotion and the faith of thousands of Pakistanis, many of whom have invested not only money but also profound hopes and prayers into the pilgrimage.
In their appeal, the lawmakers urged the government to treat the matter with the utmost urgency, calling for full institutional cooperation to ensure all logistical and administrative hurdles are removed promptly. They emphasized the need for the government to prioritise this issue, so that the pilgrims’ spiritual journey can proceed without further distress or disruption.
The statement reflects growing public concern over administrative inefficiencies affecting religious affairs and underscores the pressure on government institutions to safeguard the rights and sentiments of citizens undertaking one of Islam’s most important rites. As the Hajj season approaches, the timely resolution of these visa delays remains critical to preserving the trust and faith of Pakistan’s Muslim community.
