The Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Sunday that Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman had announced a gift of 16,000 additional Hajj quota for Pakistan on the request of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Ministry of Religious Affairs Spokesperson Imran Siddiqi said that earlier Pakistan’s quota was 184,210, which had now been enhanced to 200,000.
According to the spokesperson, 40 per cent of the additional quota will be allocated to private Hajj operators, while rest of the quota will be distributed under government scheme for which balloting will be held on Monday (today).
Intending pilgrims, who remained unsuccessful in the first phase will be eligible for balloting and those who have withdrawn their money from banks will get another chance of being selected, he added.
Siddiqi said successful applicants would be informed through SMS and those who had withdrawn their Hajj dues would be given time to redeposit the sum.
Saudi Arabia had included Pakistan in its “Road to Makkah” project, which will allow pilgrims to undergo immigration clearance at Pakistani airports before leaving for Hajj.
Riyadh, on the request of PM Imran Khan, also decided to provide e-visa facility to Pakistani pilgrims. Under the facility, intending pilgrims will be provided visas at their doorstep.
