Pakistan has formally asked Saudi Arabia to increase its Hajj quota to 230000 for the 2026 pilgrimage season. The request comes as the country faces growing demand from citizens eager to perform Hajj. The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that the request aligns with Pakistan’s rising population and increasing number of applicants.
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf shared the update while speaking to the media. He said Pakistan expects a positive response, especially as Saudi Arabia has already increased quotas for several other countries. The minister expressed confidence that Pakistan’s quota would also rise in the coming months.
Currently, Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota of 179210 pilgrims for Pakistan for Hajj 2026. Out of these, around 118000 seats fall under the government scheme. The remaining seats will be handled by private tour operators. Despite this allocation, demand remains much higher, with over 450000 applications received during the registration phase.
Government Expands Facilities and Training for Pilgrims
Under the Road to Makkah project, more than 38000 pilgrims will travel directly from Islamabad this year. The facility allows pilgrims to complete immigration procedures in Pakistan before departure. The minister said the government is also working to extend this service to Lahore. At present, it operates only in Islamabad and Karachi.
The ministry has also made Hajj training programs mandatory across the country. These sessions aim to help pilgrims understand rituals and administrative procedures. According to officials, the first phase of training will continue nationwide until February. The goal is to ensure that pilgrims feel confident and well prepared before traveling.
Sardar Yousaf highlighted that strong interest in Hajj reflects public trust in government arrangements. He said the ministry has introduced 22 guiding principles to make the pilgrimage process smoother. These guidelines focus on accommodation, transport, health care, and overall coordination in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia during Hajj
The minister also assured that he would personally remain in Saudi Arabia during Hajj. He said his presence would help address any complaints and ensure quick solutions. This step aims to improve the overall experience for Pakistani pilgrims and resolve issues on the ground.
Officials believe that increasing the quota will reduce pressure on both government and private schemes. It will also allow more families to fulfill their religious obligation. The government continues to engage with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels to support the request.
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Pakistan’s growing population and rising interest in Hajj have made quota expansion a key priority. Each year, thousands of applicants remain unsuccessful due to limited seats. An increase would provide relief to many hopeful pilgrims waiting for their turn.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs says it will share updates as soon as Saudi Arabia responds. For now, preparations continue under the existing quota. The government has urged citizens to rely on official sources for information and avoid unverified claims circulating online.
