Pakistan Requests Saudi Arabia to Raise Hajj Quota

Pakistan has formally requested an increase in its Hajj quota from Saudi Arabia, pointing to the country’s growing population.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf confirmed on Friday that a letter has already been sent to Saudi officials and the government is now waiting for their reply.

At present, Pakistan Hajj quota is fixed at 230,000 pilgrims. The minister said this number does not reflect Pakistan actual population, which has now crossed 230 million. He added that the government has urged Saudi Arabia to revise the figure and adjust it proportionally.

Sardar Yousaf stressed that the request has been made formally but Saudi Arabia has not yet responded. “We have written to increase the Hajj quota, but no reply has been received so far,” he explained.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia distributes Hajj quotas to countries around the world based on population size. So far, however, the kingdom has not raised the quota for any country. “We are waiting for Saudi Arabia’s policy decision in this regard,” he added.