ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has formally contacted Saudi Arabia to request an increase in its Hajj quota, citing the country’s rapidly growing population.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf confirmed on Friday that a letter has been sent to Saudi authorities, and the government is now awaiting an official response.
Current Hajj quota
At present, Pakistan’s Hajj quota stands at 230,000 pilgrims. Minister Sardar Yousaf noted that this number is not proportional to Pakistan’s population, which has now surpassed 230 million. He emphasized the need for the quota to reflect the country’s demographic growth.
Formal request to Saudi Arabia
The minister stated that the letter requesting an increase in the Hajj quota has been officially submitted. “We have written to increase the Hajj quota, but no response has been received yet,” he said.
Saudi Arabia allocates Hajj quotas globally, reviewing numbers based on each country’s population. Sardar Yousaf explained that Pakistan’s request is part of a broader review process to ensure fair distribution.
Saudi Arabia yet to revise quotas
The minister clarified that no country’s Hajj quota has been increased so far. Pakistan will wait for the Kingdom’s policy decision regarding quota adjustments. “We are waiting for Saudi Arabia’s policy regarding quota increases,” he added.
Authorities in Pakistan have stressed that the government remains committed to facilitating pilgrims and ensuring smooth arrangements for those performing Hajj once the quota is finalized.
The request reflects Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to accommodate the growing number of citizens wishing to perform Hajj while maintaining coordination with Saudi authorities for fair and transparent procedures.
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