Because of foreign exchange-related constraints, the government of Pakistan has proposed in a meeting that half of Pakistan’s Hajj quota may be allocated to overseas Pakistanis, a move that underscores the implications of an economic crisis for all walks of life.
Aiming at saving the outflow of around $400m, overseas Pakistanis can now themselves perform Hajj or finance the expenses of someone living in Pakistan by availing the quota which the government is going to offer due to foreign currency shortage.
This year, Saudi Arabia has given a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims to Pakistan. However, the finance ministry official claims that due to severe economic constraints, the government cannot afford to allow a massive capital flight.