In comparison to the previous year, more than twice as many Pakistanis will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual hajj pilgrimage.
The Saudi government has informed Pakistan that unlike the previous Hajj, where only a small number of pilgrims from each country were permitted because of concerns about the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), the following Hajj will see the full country-specific quotas restored.
It is anticipated that as a result, 179,210 Pakistanis will be able to travel for the yearly pilgrimage.
Only 81,132 Pakistanis were permitted to perform the Hajj last year due to Covid-19 restrictions after passing stringent screenings, receiving vaccinations, and meeting other requirements.
After Riyadh decided to extend the term for which it will keep $3 billion parked in Pakistani accounts to help avoid default, the announcement of the increased quota came a few days later.
