Pakistan has formally requested an increase in its Hajj quota to 230,000 pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, citing the country’s growing population and rising demand for pilgrimage slots.
Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, confirmed the move, expressing optimism that Saudi Arabia would consider enhancing Pakistan’s allocation alongside similar requests from other countries.
Pakistan’s current Hajj quota stands at 179,210 pilgrims, with about 118,000 slots allocated under the government scheme. This year, demand has far outstripped supply, as more than 450,000 applications were submitted for the limited spaces.
In addition, the government is working to expand the Road to Makkah initiative, which enables pilgrims to complete immigration formalities before departure. Plans are underway to extend the facility to Lahore, complementing existing centres in Islamabad and Karachi.
