JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia has approved a substantial jump in the number ofintending pilgrims for upcoming Haj.

According to media reports, Saudi authorities have increased Pakistan’s Hajquota by 5,000, taking the number of pilgrims to 184,210 from 179,210.

The hike in the quota will be effective from Haj to be performed later thisyear. Reports said that the additional quota, according to Haj policy, willbe distributed among the private tour operators.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has informed the Pakistaniministry about the latest development.

In 2017, the Arab country had enhanced Haj quota from 143,368 to 179,210after an agreement with Pakistani officials.

Last month, the Ministry of Religious Affairs postponed the balloting ofHaj applications under the government scheme for an indefinite period dueto a stay order issued by the Sindh High Court.

The Sukkur bench of the High Court issued the stay order while hearing apetition filed by Mufti Abdul Majid against the new Haj policy, which barsa person from performing the Haj more than once during the specific timeperiod. The petition argued that such move is against Shariah.

The officials of religious ministry have decided to move the Supreme Courtagainst the high court’s orders, while the new date for the draw will beannounced accordingly.

This year record-breaking Haj applications were received as 374,829 peoplesubmitted applications for the Government Haj scheme 2018. Under thepolicy, total 120,000 applicants will be selected through balloting.

The ministry received the highest number of applications from Karachi,totaling 81,985. It was followed by Lahore with 72,483, while Islamabadstood third with 67,896 applications.