ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has approved an additional Hajj quota of ten thousand pilgrims for Pakistan.
The decision followed a request made by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to increase Pakistan’s Hajj quota.
This decision is a demonstration of close ties, mutual cooperation, and Saudi Arabia’s special regard for the people of Pakistan.
Pakistani officials say the move reflects the strong bilateral ties and Riyadh’s continued support for the people of Pakistan.
The decision has been widely welcomed as it paves the way for thousands more pilgrims to perform Hajj this year under the government scheme.
Earlier this week, Pakistan commenced the second phase of mandatory training for Hajj pilgrims on Tuesday, building on the first phase that was held earlier this year.
While speaking at a Hajj training workshop held at the Haji Camp in Islamabad, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that the cost of Hajj in Pakistan is lower than in other countries in the region, while high-quality and comprehensive arrangements have been made for the pilgrims.
ALSO READ: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Review Facilities for Hajj, Umrah Pilgrims
The minister underscored the government’s dedication to offering the highest level of support and assistance to the pilgrims.
“We have personally reviewed the arrangements in Saudi Arabia, and every effort will be made to ensure no pilgrim faces any difficulty,” he said.
He informed the participants that this is the second phase of the Hajj training sessions and announced that the vaccination of pilgrims will begin on the 20th of this month. The minister also advised all Pakistani pilgrims to strictly follow the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia during their stay.
Yousaf commended the Saudi government for its outstanding arrangements for pilgrims, describing the Kingdom as a “brotherly nation.” He assured that Pakistani officials had thoroughly inspected the Hajj preparations in Saudi Arabia and pledged that pilgrims would not encounter any difficulties during their journey.
