ISLAMABAD:
Ministry of Religious Affairs has completed the first phase of receiving applications under the 2026 government Hajj scheme, with more than 71,000 submissions, officials said on Saturday.
The ministry said the first phase was open only to applicants who had already registered for the pilgrimage. Each applicant submitted the first instalment of Rs500,000 along with their application.
The second phase will begin on August 11 and run until August 16, during which both registered and unregistered pilgrims will be able to apply. Applications in this phase will be accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.
Officials said more than 116,000 Pakistanis will perform Hajj next year under the government quota. Those who submit applications with the first instalment before the quota is filled will secure a spot, while the process will be halted once the limit is reached.
Overseas Pakistanis can also apply through a close relative at designated banks, the ministry’s spokesperson said. Medical fitness certificates for applicants abroad can be submitted upon arrival in Pakistan. The ministry said it will announce the suspension of applications as soon as the quota is met.
It is pertinent to mention here that Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said last week that Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims — 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 for private operators — subject to final confirmation by Saudi authorities.
The government scheme will include both the traditional 38-42 day package and a shorter 20-25 day option. Estimated costs are expected to range between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million, depending on final agreements with service providers.
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Pilgrims will be required to deposit Hajj dues in two installments, with the first installment — Rs500,000 for the long package and Rs550,000 for the short one through designated banks, he added.
Minister Yousaf said applicants must hold valid Pakistani passports until at least November 26, 2026, and children under 12 years of age will not be eligible for Hajj this year. He said all pilgrims must be vaccinated with Saudi-approved vaccines.
He said the ‘Road to Makkah’ initiative will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports. He said overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to remit Hajj payments to nominated bank accounts under the scheme. The policy mandates compulsory animal sacrifice payments through the official Saudi system, he added.
