Pakistan has formally requested Saudi Arabia to increase its Hajj quota for 2026 to 230,000 pilgrims, in line with the country’s large population, to enable more Pakistanis to perform the annual pilgrimage.
The request was confirmed by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, while speaking to the media in Islamabad on Monday. He said Pakistan has raised the matter with Saudi authorities and expressed hope for a positive response.
Pakistan Requests Saudi Arabia to Increase Hajj 2026 Quota
The minister shared that under the Route to Makkah initiative, more than 38,000 Pakistani pilgrims will depart from Islamabad for Hajj 2026 after completing immigration and customs formalities in Pakistan. He added that efforts are underway to extend this facility to Lahore, while currently the service is available only at Islamabad and Karachi airports.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf stated that the Pakistani government has finalized all Hajj 2026 arrangements in accordance with the guidelines and policies issued by the Saudi government. He assured that coordination with Saudi authorities is ongoing to ensure smooth and well-managed pilgrimage operations.
Earlier, while addressing participants of a Hajj training session, the minister revealed that Saudi Arabia has allocated a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan for Hajj 2026. Of this, approximately 118,000 seats have been reserved under the government Hajj scheme, while the remaining quota has been allotted to private Hajj tour operators.
The minister emphasized that Hajj training programs have been made mandatory to ensure that pilgrims are fully informed about Hajj rituals, health requirements, and administrative procedures. He said the first phase of training sessions will continue across the country until February.
Highlighting public confidence in the system, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf disclosed that more than 450,000 applications were received for Hajj registration this year, reflecting growing trust in the government’s Hajj arrangements.
The minister also shared that during his previous Hajj visits, he did not avail any official protocol and personally monitored arrangements on the ground. He urged Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj Nazims to serve the pilgrims with dedication and efficiency, reminding them of the sacred responsibility of serving the guests of Allah Almighty.
He further stated that he will personally remain present in Saudi Arabia during Hajj to address any complaints or issues faced by Pakistani pilgrims, ensuring timely resolution and better facilitation.
The government remains hopeful that Saudi Arabia will positively consider Pakistan’s request for an increased Hajj quota, allowing more citizens the opportunity to perform one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.
