Islamabad — The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced that more than 114,500 applications have been received so far for the Government Hajj Scheme 2026, with only around 3,500 seats still available.
Banks Told to Keep Accepting Applications
Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said that designated banks across Pakistan have been directed to continue accepting applications until the remaining quota is filled.
He also urged applicants to act quickly, stressing that the process will close immediately once the final 3,500 seats are taken.
Strong Interest from Citizens
Officials said the large number of applications reflects the deep commitment of Pakistani citizens to perform the sacred pilgrimage under the government’s official scheme. Every year, demand for seats remains high, but this year’s figures show an especially strong response.
Hajj Packages and Costs
For 2026, the government has introduced two package options:
- Long Package: 38–42 days
- Short Package: 20–25 days
The cost of Hajj under the government scheme ranges between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million. Pilgrims must pay an initial installment of Rs500,000 or Rs550,000, depending on the package, when submitting their application. The remaining balance will be collected starting November 1, 2025.
Overseas Pakistanis Eligible
The ministry clarified that overseas Pakistanis can also apply, provided they hold a valid Pakistani passport. This move aims to ensure that citizens living abroad are equally able to benefit from the scheme.
Quota Division Between Government and Private Operators
Under the new policy, 70 percent of the quota has been allocated to the government scheme, while the remaining 30 percent is reserved for private tour operators.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2026 stands at 179,210 pilgrims. Out of this, 119,210 seats are for the government scheme and 60,000 seats are for private operators. The final approval of this quota will come from Saudi authorities in the coming months.
Ministry’s Call to Action
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has advised all intending pilgrims to apply without delay, warning that with only a few thousand seats left, the quota could be filled within days.
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