Major Financial Irregularities Uncovered in Hajj 2024

Islamabad:A significant financial scandal has come to light regarding Hajj 2024, revealing millions of riyals misused during the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Religious Affairs itself uncovered the discrepancies, and a five-member investigative team has compiled a report that was obtained by **Samaa**.

According to the report, the largest fraud involved the **Hajj Welfare Fund**, from which 4.6 million riyals were illegally withdrawn. Out of this, 3.3 million riyals remain unreturned. In addition, 1,620 extra train tickets for pilgrims were purchased under the guise of Hajj, costing 464,000 riyals.

The report further detailed that gifts worth **3.3 million riyals** were purchased for the pilgrims, which were supposed to be managed by the owners of residential buildings. **3.87 million riyals** were misappropriated for building rentals and salaries of doctors and staff at the medical mission. Some buildings were even rented that were never used. Furthermore, **3 million riyals** were paid as additional costs for housing for the pilgrims and staff.

Irregularities were also found in the distribution of **Zamzam water**, amounting to **120,000 riyals**. During the Hajj, government officials and staff used **52 vehicles** without cabinet approval, opting for expensive rentals over cheaper options, with no proper record kept. Additionally, the **Hajj Director General’s office in Jeddah** purchased **300,000 riyals** worth of furniture and office supplies in violation of **PEPRA** rules.

The investigative team has identified the responsible individuals and recommended the recovery of the extra funds.