ISLAMABAD – Saudi Arabia has increased quota of Pakistani pilgrims for nextyear’s Hajj by five thousand.

According to a spokesperson of Ministry of Religious Affairs, an agreementhas been signed in this regard by Minister of Religious Affairs Pir Noor ulHaq Qadri and his Saudi counterpart.

Under the arrangement, more than one hundred eigty four thousand pilgrimswill perform Hajj from Pakistan next year.

It has also been decided to include Pakistani Hujjaj in Road to Makkahproject in phases. Initially, thirty five thousand pilgrims of Sindh willbenefit from this scheme.

The process of verification and immigration of the pilgrims will beconducted at Karachi airport. According to the agreement, Pakistani Hujjajwill be given e-visas.

The Pakistani side was told that decision relating to abolishing of twothousand Riyal fee will be made after holding consultation withKhadim-e-Haramayn al-Sharifayn.

The Saudi authorities assured to consider further increase in the Hajjquota according to new census.

Pir Noor ul Haq Qadri expressed gratification to the Saudi authorities forimplementing suggestions put forth by Pakistan.