Saudi Arabia has increased the Hajj quota of Pakistan by 10,000 pilgrims, the officials nennopil on Friday.
The decision follows a request made by the Vice Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, during a conversation with the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan to Saud.
Pakistani officials say that the measure reflects the strong bilateral ties and the continuous support of Riad to the people of Pakistan.
The additional fee occurs when thousands of Pakistani remain in the waiting lists, and the authorities say that additional spaces will relieve pressure on the applicants before this year’s pilgrimage.
Earlier this week, Pakistan launched the second compulsory training phase for Hajj pilgrims on Tuesday, after the first phase held earlier this year.
“Hajj pilgrims go as Pakistan ambassadors. They take care of the laws there,” Yousaf told attendees. “Do not do anything that disrespects your country,” he added.
Yousaf praised the Saudi government for its impressive arrangements for pilgrims, referring to the kingdom as a “fraternal country.” He said that Pakistani officials had reviewed Hajj arrangements in Saudi Arabia, promising that pilgrims would not face any unpleasant experience.
The minister also announced that mandatory vaccines for Pakistani pilgrims would take place on April 20.
