RIYADH (Kashmir English): In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia has authorized an additional 10,000 quota for pilgrims from Pakistan.
The decision follows a specific request made to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The approval was granted to accommodate Pakistani pilgrims who were unable to register prior to the formal deadline.
Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s guidance, Ishaq Dar’s efforts resulted in the proposal being approved. As a result of this expansion, 189,210 pilgrims from Pakistan would be able to complete the Hajj this year.
Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims were unable to carry out their preparations for the 2025 Hajj after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had demanded an immediate investigation into the lowering of the private Hajj quota.
To look into the issue and find out who was to blame for the quota’s late acquisition, a three-person committee was established, which thoroughly investigated this issue.
