Pakistan likely to return over 21,000 Hajj quota to Saudi Arabia

Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to return over 21,000 Hajj quota to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme, media reports said on Tuesday, citing sources. 

The government instead of accommodating over 5,633 pilgrims left in the Hajj draw has decided to return the quota. 

It is learned that instead of accommodating the unsuccessful applicants of the government's regular scheme, the money was refunded.

Sources claimed that 5, 633 applicants were declared unsuccessful in the regular Hajj scheme draw while sources further claimed that 69, 438 applications were received in the regular Hajj scheme.

As per data, 63, 805 lucky pilgrims were selected in the draw while only 4,000 applications were received against the quota of 25,000 in the government Sponsorship Hajj Scheme and over 21, 000 vacant quota will be returned to Saudi Arabia.

On December 29, Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed has announced the results of the balloting for the upcoming Hajj.

Out of 69,438 applications received under the regular Hajj scheme, 63,805 were successful in the balloting process. 

Aneeq Ahmed highlighted the successful outcome of efforts to reduce the Hajj package cost, resulting in a Rs 100,000 reduction in the total expense.

Additionally, a waiting list comprising 5,633 unsuccessful applicants was compiled based on their cities of departure.