KSA Increases Pakistan's Hajj Quota by 10,000 Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia increased Pakistan's Hajj capacity by 10,000 pilgrims, officials stated. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have had strong official ties for a long time, and thick or thin, the Saudi Arabian government has helped Pakistan to overcome a lot of issues lately, especially external financing issues, which are covered by the Saudi Arabian government to help Pakistan secure an IMF deal and resolve the issue of external financing.
The decision came from the Saudi Arabian government after a request made by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and progress was made to accommodate pilgrims from Pakistan to perform Hajj 2025. Moreover, a Pakistani official stated that this is welcome news, as more people from Pakistan can now perform Hajj 2025, and they thanked the Saudi Arabian government for increasing the quota for Pakistani citizens. Moreover, Pakistani officials stated this would ease the pressure and maybe reduce the private scheme packages; therefore, more people from Pakistan performing Hajj would be accommodated by this decision.
The ministry announced that from April 20th, mandatory vacations would be started so that Pakistani citizens do not have issues performing Hajj this year.
It is important for every pilgrim from any country that is going to perform Hajj 2025 to know that Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for every pilgrim, including local or international pilgrims that are coming to perform Hajj, to be meningitis vaccinated, and especially for Pakistanis, they must have a polio vaccination certificate; otherwise, they will not be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia. It is advisable to get a certificate from government officials before traveling for the Hajj; otherwise, Saudi Arabia has made it clear that those who do not follow rules and regulations will not be allowed to perform Hajj and will not be allowed to risk other pilgrims' health.
