ISLAMABAD: Holders of Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs) will be allowed to perform Hajj under Pakistan’s official quota, according to sources.
Saudi Arabia has permitted POC holders to be included in Pakistan’s Hajj quota, with one per cent of the country’s overall allocation reserved for them.
Under the arrangement, 1,792 POC holders will be able to perform Hajj for the first time under Pakistan’s quota. They will be eligible to avail themselves of both government and private Hajj schemes.
The facility will particularly benefit overseas Pakistanis of Pakistani origin who have relinquished their Pakistani citizenship and passports.
According to sources, the inclusion of POC holders in Pakistan’s Hajj quota marks the first time such a facility has been extended to this category.
Read also: Passport validity requirement announced for Hajj 2027
