Pakistan has formally requested Saudi Arabia to increase its Hajj 2026 quota to 230,000 pilgrims, citing proportionality with the national population. The request was conveyed by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf during an interaction with media in Islamabad on Thursday.
Read More: Pakistan sees expansion in Hajj quota
Saudi Arabia has already allocated a quota of 179,210 for the upcoming Hajj season. Of these, around 118,000 seats are reserved under the government scheme, while the remaining slots fall under private tour operators.
Yousaf said the government had finalized its operational arrangements for Hajj 2026 in line with Saudi guidelines. He noted that efforts were underway to expand the “Route to Makkah” project — a pre-clearance facility that streamlines immigration for pilgrims — from Islamabad to Lahore. Currently, Islamabad and Karachi pilgrims are availing the service.
Pakistan Seeks Saudi Arabia Higher Hajj Quota in Line with Populationhttps://t.co/NoumxtgY1i#Pakistan #Hajj2026 #HajjQuota #SaudiArabia #RoadToMakkah #Pilgrims #ReligiousAffairs #IslamicPilgrimage #MinistryOfReligiousAffairs #HajjPreparations pic.twitter.com/R51JOAEQiH
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Earlier, addressing a Hajj training session, the minister said mandatory training programmes were being conducted nationwide to ensure intending pilgrims are familiar with Hajj rituals and administrative procedures. The first phase of the training drive will continue until February.
According to the minister, more than 450,000 applications were received for Hajj registration this year, which he said indicated increased public confidence in official arrangements.
Yousaf also stated that during previous Hajj seasons he had not availed any official protocol, stressing that officials and Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj must serve pilgrims efficiently. He added that he would personally remain present in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage to address complaints from Pakistani Hujjaj.
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The request for an expanded quota comes as several Muslim-majority nations experience rising demand for Hajj slots amid population growth. Saudi Arabia is expected to evaluate allocations after considering logistical capacity, infrastructure, and global demand.