ISLAMABAD: In response to a special request from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Arabia has agreed to increase the hajj quota for Pakistani pilgrims by 10,000.

The decision follows a direct appeal made by Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud. The request aimed to accommodate Pakistani citizens who were unable to register for the pilgrimage before the original deadline.

Saudi authorities have accepted the request, thereby approving the extension of the hajj quota for Pakistan. The additional slots are expected to provide more opportunities for Pakistani Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage this year.

The request and subsequent approval underscore the diplomatic engagement between the two nations, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the needs of Pakistani citizens. The move comes after discussions at high levels between the respective foreign ministries.

The extension in the hajj quota is seen as a significant development for those who had missed the initial registration process, allowing a greater number of Pakistanis to fulfill their religious obligations.