Pakistan: Pakistan has formally requested the Saudi government to increase its Hajj quota to 230,000 in proportion to the country's population, allowing more citizens to undertake the pilgrimage. The announcement was made by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, during a media interaction in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister stated that over 38,000 intending pilgrims will travel from Islamabad under the Route to Makkah project. Efforts are underway to extend this facility to Lahore, as it currently operates only in Islamabad and Karachi. The government has finalized arrangements for Hajj 2026 with guidance from the Saudi Government.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, addressing participants of a Hajj training session, mentioned that Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota of 179,210 for Hajj 2026. Out of this, approximately 118,000 seats are reserved under the government scheme, while the remaining seats are designated for private tour operators. The Minister emphasized the importance of mandatory training to ensure that intending pilgrims are well-versed in Hajj rituals and administrative procedures.

The first phase of Hajj training programs will continue across the country until February. The Minister noted that over 450,000 applications for Hajj registration were received this year, reflecting growing public trust in the government's arrangements. He also shared his personal commitment to the process, stating that he did not avail any official protocol during his previous visits for Hajj and urged Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj Nazims to efficiently serve the guests of Allah Almighty.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf assured that he will be present in Saudi Arabia to address any complaints from the Hujjaj, ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience for all.