This is a significant change in the Pakistani Muslims, as Saudi Arabia has done a goodwill gesture by adding 10000 more pilgrims to Pakistan’s Hajj quota for the year 2025 pilgrimage seasons.
This increase means that the number of seats reserved for Pakistan increases to 189,210 as opposed to 179,210 initially. It is following months of diplomatic discussions between the Saudi Arabia and Pakistan governments, thus more people get an opportunity to perform Hajj, which is among the five pillars of Islam.
The announcement has received criticisms and relief in equal measure from the thousands of Pakistani Muslims who have longed to get a chance to make the Hajj pilgrimage. Given the high demand for seats each year, a number of people who intend to be pilgrims are often left frustrated by the fact that the available quota does not manage to cater for everybody.
The additional 10,000 seats will be economical on the waiting list and will see more Pakistanis enjoy the visit to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, where they will be able to fulfill one of the most significant commandments of Islam, which is to make the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.
The growth in the quota of Pakistan shows how deep the diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have become especially when addressing issues to do with religious cooperation.
The decision comes after months of talks between the two countries, and on the part of the Pakistan officials, a move to ensure that more of their citizens are able to do this sacred journey.
Pakistan is among the countries which have the greatest number of Hajj pilgrims and for decades; many of the pilgrims had to be flown from various airports, however, the Saudi government’s decision to offer extra seats is viewed to be governed by goodwill to help improve diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Apart from increase in the quota, Saudi Arabia has also promised to offer better facilities to Pakistani pilgrims, such as air-conditioned tents in Mina, better accommodation in Makkah and Madinah and better medical services.
Such improvements are made with a purpose of making the pilgrims comfortable and safe during their journey. The Pakistani ministry of religious affairs has also integrated measures that will help smoothen application processes and therefore, making applying an easy task for individuals to be secured for a 2025 pilgrimage.
A rise in the Hajj quota is not only giving more opportunities to Pakistani Muslims to complete their religious duty, but it also stresses that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s cooperation is still ongoing, which is essential for helping the Hajj pilgrimage for many years.
