Saudi Arabia increased the Hajj quota of Pakistan by 10,000 pilgrims, managers Annopceae on Friday.
The decision follows a request made by the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar during a conversation with the Saudi Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud.
Pakistani officials say that this decision reflects strong bilateral ties and Riyadh’s continuous support for the people of Pakistan.
The additional quota occurs because thousands of Pakistani remain on the waiting lists, and the authorities say that additional slots will facilitate pressure on candidates before this year’s pilgrimage.
Earlier this week, Pakistan launched the second compulsory training phase on Tuesday for Hajj pilgrims, after the first phase led earlier this year.
“Hajj pilgrims go as an ambassadors of Pakistan. Take care of the laws there,” the participants told Yousaf. “Do not do anything that will make it lack of respect to your country,” he added.
Yousaf congratulated the Saudi government for its impressive arrangements for pilgrims, referring to the kingdom as a “fraternal country”. He assured that Pakistani officials had examined the Hajj’s arrangements in Saudi Arabia, promising that pilgrims would not face any unpleasant experience.
The Minister also announced that compulsory vaccinations for Pakistani pilgrims would take place on April 20.
