ISLAMABAD, SEPT 12: Pakistan has formally contacted Saudi Arabia to request an increase in its Hajj quota, citing its growing population. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf confirmed on Friday that a letter has been written to Saudi authorities and the government is now waiting for their response.
Pakistan’s current Hajj quota
At present, Pakistan’s Hajj quota stands at 230,000 pilgrims. According to the minister, this number is not in line with Pakistan’s population, which has now crossed 230 million. He said the government has asked Saudi Arabia to review the quota and adjust it proportionally to the country’s population.
Minister confirms formal request
Sardar Yousaf said that the letter to Saudi authorities has been sent and Pakistan is awaiting an official reply. “We have written to increase the Hajj quota, but no response has been received yet,” he stated.
The minister explained that Saudi Arabia allocates and distributes Hajj quotas globally, reviewing them in proportion to each country’s population.
Saudi Arabia yet to revise quotas globally
Sardar Yousaf clarified that Saudi Arabia has not increased the Hajj quota for any country so far, and Pakistan will wait for the kingdom’s policy decision on this matter. “We are waiting for Saudi Arabia’s policy regarding quota increases,” he added.
