Saudi -Arabia has increased Pakistan’s Hajj -quota by 10,000 pilgrims, officials annopunated on Friday.
The decision follows a request from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar during a conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
Pakistani officials say the move reflects the strong bilateral ties and Riyadh’s continued support for the population of Pakistan.
The extra quota comes as thousands of Pakistanis remain on waiting lists and the authorities say the extra slots will ease the pressure on applicants before this year’s pilgrimage.
Earlier this week, Pakistan launched the second phase of mandatory training for Hajj Pilgrims on Tuesday after the first phase performed earlier this year.
“Hajj Pilgrims go as ambassadors for Pakistan. Take care of the laws there,” Yousaf told participants. “Don’t do anything that will give respect for your country,” he added.
Yousaf praised the Saudi government for its impressive events for pilgrims and referred to the kingdom as a “brotherly land.” He assured that Pakistani officials had gone through the Hajj events in Saudi -Arabia and promised that pilgrims would not face any unpleasant experiences.
The Minister also announced that compulsory vaccinations for Pakistani Pilgrims would take place on April 20.
