https://arab.news/bmpvj
- State media says over 110,000 government scheme Hajj applications received over past 12 days
- Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has said only 7,000 seats under government scheme are left
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deadline for receiving Hajj 2026 applications under the government scheme is set to expire today, Monday, state-run media reported as authorities says over 110,000 applications have been received during the last 12 days.
Pakistan extended the deadline for receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme on Saturday. The country announced earlier this month it has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, of which 129,210 seats have been allocated under the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators.
Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry said on Saturday that designated banks will keep receiving Hajj applications on Monday, adding that only 7,000 seats under the government scheme were available.
“Today is the last date for submission of applications under government Hajj scheme,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said in a report. “The process of receiving Hajj applications will be stopped once seats are filled.”
Only designated banks would receive the applications, the ministry had clarified last week, adding that its online portal would stop accepting applications at midnight on Aug. 16.
Pakistan began receiving applications on Aug. 4, advising applicants to obtain computerized receipts and verify their details through the ministry’s portal or the Pak Hajj 2026 app.
Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long package (38-42 days) and a short package (20-25 days), with costs ranging between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 ($4,050–4,236).
Applicants are required to deposit a first installment of Rs500,000 [$1764] or Rs550,000 [$1941] depending on the package, while the remaining dues will be collected in November.
Ƶ had approved the same quota for Pakistan in 2025, though private tour operators last year struggled to utilize their share, saying they faced technical and financial delays, even as the government filled its quota of over 88,000 pilgrims.