Pakistani-origin card (POC) holders will now be able to perform Hajj under Pakistan’s official Hajj quota, marking a major development for overseas Pakistanis who no longer hold Pakistani citizenship.

According to sources, one percent of Pakistan’s total Hajj quota will be allocated to POC holders. The facility will allow eligible individuals to apply through both the government and private Hajj schemes.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly approved the inclusion of Pakistani-origin cardholders in Pakistan’s Hajj quota. Under the new arrangement, around 1,792 POC holders will be able to perform Hajj for the first time using Pakistan’s allocated quota.

The decision is particularly significant for overseas Pakistanis who previously held Pakistani citizenship but later surrendered their citizenship and passports.

Sources said this is the first time such individuals have been given the opportunity to perform Hajj through Pakistan’s quota.

The new arrangement is expected to provide greater access to the annual pilgrimage for Pakistani-origin communities living abroad. POC holders will be able to use the same allocated quota while meeting the applicable Hajj requirements and procedures.

The allocation of one percent from Pakistan’s overall quota means a specific portion of the country’s pilgrimage capacity will now be available to this category.

The development is also likely to be welcomed by overseas Pakistanis who maintain strong ties with Pakistan despite having foreign citizenship.

Further details regarding application procedures, eligibility requirements, deadlines and the allocation process are expected to be announced by the relevant authorities.

The inclusion of POC holders could also make Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements more accessible to a wider Pakistani-origin population around the world.