https://arab.news/4eepd
- Next application window runs August 11-16, will include unregistered intending pilgrims
- Overseas Pakistanis can also apply through a close relative at any designated bank branch
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan鈥檚 Ministry of Religious Affairs has received more than 71,000 applications in the first phase of Hajj form submissions, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Saturday, citing a senior official.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2026, with 129,210 seats allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators.
Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long package of 38 to 42 days or a short package of 20 to 25 days, with costs estimated between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million ($4,050-$4,236).
鈥淭he next phase will run from August 11 to 16, during which applications will be accepted along with the first installment of expenses,鈥� the ministry鈥檚 spokesperson, Muhammad Umar Butt, said, according to APP. 鈥淚n this stage, unregistered intending pilgrims will also be eligible to apply.鈥�
The report said overseas Pakistanis can also apply through a close relative at any designated bank branch and will be required to provide medical fitness certificates upon arrival in Pakistan.
The official also said the ministry would stop accepting applications immediately once the allocated quota is filled.
海角直播 approved the same overall quota for Pakistan in 2025, but a significant portion of the private allocation went unused due to delays by tour operators in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government fulfilled its share of over 88,000 pilgrims.
Private operators blamed the shortfall on technical issues, including payment processing and communication problems.