Islamabad — Allegations of irregularities have emerged in the recruitment of government employees for Pakistan’s 2026 Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj program. Several applicants claim authorities overlooked merit-based rules, prompting a wave of complaints on the Prime Minister’s complaint portal.
Complaints Point to Merit Violations
Government employees who applied for Hajj service roles allege that the selection process favored certain candidates. They claim authorities bypassed mandatory physical tests while ignoring other eligible applicants.
One complaint explained that as soon as the results were uploaded on the night of December 20, specific candidates received immediate selection messages. Meanwhile, even some who had passed physical tests reportedly lost their eligibility, raising serious questions about fairness.
Furthermore, candidates noted that the process appeared opaque, leaving them uncertain about the criteria used for final selection.
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Application Timeline and Process
The Ministry of Religious Affairs invited applications from government employees until November 30. Candidates across Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and former FATA regions, submitted applications based on provincial quotas.
Consequently, affected applicants lodged complaints both on the Prime Minister’s portal and with the Federal Ombudsman. They requested that authorities strictly follow merit and review the selection procedure.
Ministry Response
A ministry spokesperson clarified that the program reserves 70% of positions for returning employees, while 30% are allocated to newcomers. Additionally, provincial quotas reflect population distribution.
The policy aims to balance experience with opportunities for new candidates, the spokesperson added. They also confirmed that applications were received from all provinces and territories, including KP, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and former FATA regions.
Background and Significance
Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj employees assist pilgrims with logistics, guidance, and welfare during Hajj. Since Pakistan sends over half a million pilgrims annually, the program plays a crucial role in smooth operations.
Over the years, officials have faced criticism for alleged favoritism, particularly regarding physical tests and merit rankings. Each year, the program recruits several hundred employees, making fairness essential for credibility.
Calls for Transparency
Candidates are urging authorities to review the 2026 selections thoroughly. They argue that ignoring physical tests undermines merit and deprives deserving applicants.
Moreover, analysts stress that transparent recruitment helps maintain public trust and ensures efficient Hajj management. Without clarity, the program risks reputational damage and operational inefficiencies.
Next Steps
So far, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has not announced corrective measures. Experts suggest reviewing merit lists and physical test results promptly. Such steps would address public concerns and reinforce confidence in the program.
