Surge in Hajj Registrations Prompts Pakistan to Seek Increased Quota from Saudi Arabia

Islamabad – As interest in performing Hajj continues to grow in Pakistan, the government has decided to approach Saudi authorities for an increase in the country’s Hajj quota. For Hajj 2026, more than 455,000 Pakistanis have already registered, despite the current quota being 179,210 pilgrims.
In 2025, a total of 1,673,230 pilgrims from around the world performed Hajj, including 113,000+ from Pakistan. Due to the country’s growing population and overwhelming interest in the pilgrimage, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs believes the current quota is insufficient. The government is now preparing to formally request Saudi Arabia to raise Pakistan’s Hajj quota to 230,000 pilgrims.
Before submitting the official request, the Ministry will consult Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet for approval. Once approved, the increased quota—if granted—will be distributed between the government and private Hajj schemes.
In 2025, Pakistan’s quota was equally divided between the two schemes, with 89,605 pilgrims traveling under the government scheme and 23,620 under private operators. However, despite the allocated numbers, around 67,000 applicants were unable to perform Hajj due to quota limitations.
The government’s efforts reflect a growing demand for Hajj participation in the country and its commitment to facilitating more citizens in fulfilling the religious obligation.