THIS is with reference to the report `First Haj flights leave for Madina` (April 30).

My recent pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina was deeply disappointing owing to the generally deplorable treatment of Pakistani pilgrims by unscrupulous travel agents. The lack of accountability and oversight has led to a systemic exploitation of pilgrims, who are often left vulnerable and disillusioned.

Every Muslim aspires to visit the sacred cities, and millions from around the world make the journey each year. The travel agents promise luxurious accommodations and seamless experiences. But, more often than not, these promises prove to be empty.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, many pilgrims are left stranded, with no one to receive them or guide them to their accommodations. The difficulties only mount from there, with agents back in Pakistan either unreachable or unresponsive to pleas for help. Pilgrims are often forced to rely on the kindness of strangers or the assistance of fellow travellers to navigate the unfamiliar terrain.

To add insult to injury, many agents fail to provide accommodations near the holy sites, forcing the pilgrims to travel long distances, often missing out on the very essence of their visit. The behaviour of these agents is often appalling, with elderly and female pilgrims facing particularly harsh treatment.

It is shocking that while the Saudi government treats pilgrims with utmost respect and dignity, our own travel agents exploit and mistreat them. The practice of charging exorbitant amounts for subpar services is rampant, with some agents charging non-resident Pakistanis twice the original charges.

The government should take immediate action against such travel agencies. A complaint cell should be established at airports, allowing the returning pilgrims to report their experiences and seek justice. The government must ensure that travel agencies are held accountable for their actions, and that pilgrims are treated with the dignity and respect.

Riaz Ali Panhwar HyderabadTHIS is with reference to the report `First Haj flights leave for Madina` (April 30).

My recent pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina was deeply disappointing owing to the generally deplorable treatment of Pakistani pilgrims by unscrupulous travel agents. The lack of accountability and oversight has led to a systemic exploitation of pilgrims, who are often left vulnerable and disillusioned.

Every Muslim aspires to visit the sacred cities, and millions from around the world make the journey each year. The travel agents promise luxurious accommodations and seamless experiences. But, more often than not, these promises prove to be empty.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, many pilgrims are left stranded, with no one to receive them or guide them to their accommodations. The difficulties only mount from there, with agents back in Pakistan either unreachable or unresponsive to pleas for help. Pilgrims are often forced to rely on the kindness of strangers or the assistance of fellow travellers to navigate the unfamiliar terrain.

To add insult to injury, many agents fail to provide accommodations near the holy sites, forcing the pilgrims to travel long distances, often missing out on the very essence of their visit. The behaviour of these agents is often appalling, with elderly and female pilgrims facing particularly harsh treatment.

It is shocking that while the Saudi government treats pilgrims with utmost respect and dignity, our own travel agents exploit and mistreat them. The practice of charging exorbitant amounts for subpar services is rampant, with some agents charging non-resident Pakistanis twice the original charges.

The government should take immediate action against such travel agencies. A complaint cell should be established at airports, allowing the returning pilgrims to report their experiences and seek justice. The government must ensure that travel agencies are held accountable for their actions, and that pilgrims are treated with the dignity and respect.

Riaz Ali Panhwar Hyderabad