Islamabad: For the first time in the history of Pakistan, Hajj quota has been returned to Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that Pakistan has returned the quota to Saudi Arabia while demanding to increase the Hajj quota. The quota for eight thousand pilgrims of the government scheme has been returned.
Sources confirmed that the Hajj quota had to be returned due to the low number of applications received under the government scheme, which would have cost an additional $24 million in housing rent and other expenses if the Hajj quota had not been returned.
Due to the high cost of Hajj, many Pakistanis could not apply. Federal Cabinet decided to return the Hajj quota.
