Saudi Arabia has officially increased Pakistan’s Hajj quota by 10,000 pilgrims, a development announced on Friday.
This decision came after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reached out to the Saudi Foreign Minister with a special request to accommodate Pakistani citizens who missed the registration deadline for Hajj.
Following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and efforts by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Saudi authorities agreed to the request, enabling an additional 10,000 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj this year.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has unveiled its pre-Hajj flight schedule for 2025. A total of 280 special flights will transport over 56,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia between April 29 and June 1. According to reports, 20,000 of these pilgrims will travel under the government’s Hajj scheme, while 36,000 will do so via private arrangements.
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PIA will use Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft to ensure smooth and comfortable journeys for all passengers. This marks a significant step in facilitating Pakistani pilgrims ahead of the Hajj season.
