ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ministry for Religious Affairs has announced an extension for the booking deadline of the Hajj 2026 pilgrimage under the private scheme. The new deadline has been pushed from October 17, 2025, to October 22, 2025, providing applicants with an additional five days to complete their registrations.
The ministry has directed all approved private Hajj operators to ensure that bookings are finalized by October 22, in accordance with the Hajj Policy 2026 and the service provider agreements.It is important to note that the total quota allocated for the private Hajj scheme is 60,000 seats. To date, 55,500 pilgrims have successfully registered, leaving approximately 4,500 seats still available.
The Ministry’s spokesperson has advised prospective pilgrims to verify their booking details and operator authenticity on the official Ministry website. They also recommend making payments through banking channels, requesting receipts, and retaining copies of Hajj agreements for record-keeping.Pilgrims are encouraged to review their personal data and booking status via the Ministry’s online portal and the Pak Hajj mobile application for updates.Earlier, the Ministry announced that applications for the Private Hajj Scheme 2026 are now open, presenting an opportunity for thousands of intending pilgrims. This year, a total of 37,903 new applicants will be accommodated under the scheme, alongside 22,097 individuals who missed out last year and have been re-registered on a priority basis.
The Ministry emphasized that private Hajj operators must submit affidavits confirming the re-registration of last year’s remaining pilgrims. They are instructed to prioritize these individuals before accepting new applicants.The total quota for private Hajj operators remains at 60,000 pilgrims, with the first priority given to re-registered pilgrims from the previous year, and the remaining slots allocated to new applicants.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) has finalized the application process for Pakistan’s Government Hajj Scheme 2026. A total of 118,060 applications were received from across the country within just 17 days—a record for early completion compared to previous years.Applications were submitted online and via banking channels on a first-come, first-served basis, with pilgrims choosing either short or long Hajj packages based on their preferences. The application window is now officially closed.
The initial installment, approximately 50% of the total Hajj cost, has already been paid by applicants. The remaining balance will be payable starting November 1, 2025.Experts estimate that the total cost under the government scheme will range between PKR 1.15 million and PKR 1.25 million, depending on the applicant’s region and stay duration.
