Pakistan has formally requested Saudi Arabia to increase its Hajj 2026 quota to 230,000 in line with the country’s population, to allow more pilgrims.
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The request was confirmed by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf while speaking to the media in Islamabad.
He said more than 38,000 intending pilgrims will travel from Islamabad under the Route to Makkah project, adding efforts are underway to extend the facility to Lahore.
At present, the Route to Makkah facility is available only in Islamabad and Karachi, while arrangements for Hajj 2026 have been finalised in line with Saudi guidance.
Earlier, addressing a Hajj training session, the minister said Saudi Arabia allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan, with around 118,000 seats under the government scheme.
He said the remaining quota has been allocated to private tour operators under the approved framework.
The minister said Hajj training sessions were made mandatory to ensure pilgrims are aware of rituals and administrative procedures.
He added the first phase of Hajj training programmes will continue across the country until February.
According to the minister, more than 450,000 applications were received for Hajj registration this year, reflecting growing public trust in the government.
He also said he would remain present in Saudi Arabia during Hajj to address pilgrims’ complaints and urged officials to serve pilgrims efficiently.
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