The Ministry of Religious Affairs has opened applications for the Private Hajj Scheme 2026, allowing thousands of new pilgrims to secure their place for the upcoming pilgrimage.
According to official details, 37,903 new applicants will be accommodated under the scheme this year. In addition, 22,097 pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj last year have been automatically re-registered and given priority.
Private Hajj operators are required to submit affidavits confirming the registration of these leftover pilgrims. The ministry has directed operators to facilitate them first before processing new applications.
The overall quota for private Hajj operators has been set at 60,000 pilgrims, of which 22,097 slots are reserved for previously registered applicants and 37,903 for fresh applicants.
Earlier, the ministry finalized the application process for the Government Hajj Scheme 2026, which drew 118,060 applications from across Pakistan. The process, which remained open for 17 days, was completed earlier than in previous years due to strong public interest.
Applications were accepted both online and through designated banks on a first-come, first-served basis. Pilgrims applied for both short and long-duration packages under the scheme.
The ministry confirmed that applicants have already deposited the first instalment, 50 percent of the total cost, to secure their bookings. The second instalment will be due on November 1, 2025, covering the remaining expenses.
Experts estimate that the total cost under the government program will range between Rs. 1.15 million and Rs. 1.25 million, depending on the applicant’s region and the duration of stay.
Source: pakistantoday
