Saudi Arabia will restore 20% Hajj quota for Pakistan this year. A new formula will be adopted for division of Hajj quota and Hajj policy 2017 will be announced after consultation from organizers.
According to sources, Saudi Arabia reduced the Hajj quota of Pakistan and other Muslim countries by 20% in 2013 due to expansion of Haram but now the Saudi government is seriously thinking about restoring this quota. Pakistan’s initial quota was 180,000 but it was reduced to 144,000 in 2013. Now after restoration of previous quota, again 180,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj and the Ministry of Religious Affairs has started to outline new Hajj Policy.
The ministry demanded opinions from Hajj group organizers for Hajj 2017 and they have submitted their opinions. These include taking oath from all Hajj companies not to sell Hajj quota and the company not acted on it should be banned, quota should be minimum 50 and maximum 90 and the ministry approve low cost and high standard Hajj packages after consulting representatives of Hajj group organizers.
It was added that the ministry give one month time after lottery and the quota of company failed to complete booking within allocated time should be given to other companies. Bank cash guarantee of 5% should be taken from all HGOs.
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