As per the request of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Saudi government has officially the increased the Hajj quota for Pakistan. With an increment of over 8.5%, the new quota would entertain 200,000 Pakistani pilgrims. The said requisition was put up by the PM to Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman while he was visiting Pakistan.
Minister of Religious Affairs Dr. Noor-ul-Haq conducted the second phase of balloting for supplementary quota in Islamabad today. The second phase provided a vital opportunity for the unlucky applicants who were not successful to win the first phase. The additional quota also gave a second chance to those who had withdrawn money from their bank accounts to try their luck one more time.
Earlier this year, The Crown Prince landed in Pakistan with many positive developments for nationals. While he announced to release more than 2000 Pakistani prisoners, that was not all to cherish. E-Visa facility and easy immigration process were also granted by the Prince on request of PM Khan.
The expected pilgrims would now be provided visas at their doorsteps. Not only that, with the revised procedures, the Hajj immigration process would be done in Islamabad and Karachi. In the first phase, Islamabad airport would be used for the process and the second phase would be operated at Karachi airport. The facilities provided are part of the “Road to Makkah” project.