In a significant move, Pakistan has officially approached the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a request to substantially increase its annual Hajj pilgrimage quota for the year 2026. The government is seeking an allocation for 230,000 pilgrims, a number it argues is proportionate to the country's large population, to enable more citizens to fulfill their religious obligation.
Formal Request and Current Quota Details
The announcement was made by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, during a media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. He stated that the formal request has been submitted to the Saudi authorities. For the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has already set Pakistan's quota at 179,210 pilgrims. Out of these, approximately 118,000 seats have been secured under the government's official scheme, while the remainder have been allotted to various private Hajj tour operators.
Minister Yousaf confirmed that the government's preparations for Hajj 2026 are complete and have been aligned with the guidance provided by Saudi officials. He emphasized the administration's commitment to efficient service, personally urging all Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj Nazims (Hajj assistants' supervisors) to ensure proper facilitation for the pilgrims. The minister also pledged his personal presence in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage to directly address and resolve any complaints from Pakistani pilgrims.
Expanding Facilities and Overwhelming Response
A key development highlighted was the expansion of the "Route to Makkah" project. This facility, which streamlines immigration procedures in Pakistan before departure, is currently operational only in Islamabad and Karachi. The minister revealed that over 38,000 pilgrims will utilize this service from Islamabad this year, and active efforts are being made to extend its benefits to Lahore's airport, significantly easing the travel process for more people.
The public's confidence in the current Hajj arrangements appears to be growing. Sardar Muhammad Yousaf disclosed that the authorities have received an astounding over 450,000 applications for Hajj registration this year, far exceeding the available quota. This surge is seen as a strong indicator of public trust in the government's management of the sacred journey.
Nationwide Training for Pilgrims
To ensure pilgrims are well-prepared, the government has instituted mandatory Hajj training programs across the nation. These sessions are designed to thoroughly educate intending pilgrims about the correct performance of Hajj rituals and the necessary administrative procedures they will encounter. The first phase of this comprehensive training initiative is currently underway and is scheduled to continue until the end of February.
This multi-faceted approach—combining a push for a larger quota, expansion of facilitation projects, and rigorous training—underscores Pakistan's efforts to manage one of the largest Muslim pilgrimages in the world more effectively for its citizens.
