Hajj 2027 online registrations shoot past 200,000 in Pakistan

As many as 203,722 intending pilgrims have got themselves registered in 11 days since the government has launched online Hajj registration system for next year’s pilgrimage, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

More than 180,000 pilgrims got themselves registered through web portal while about remaining 24,000 opted through mobile app. Over 154,000 pilgrims enrolled themselves for government Hajj schemed while around 49,000 opted for private Hajj scheme.

Punjab topped the list from where 95,000 pilgrims applied for Hajj 2027, 63,000 from Sindh, 28,000 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 5,500 from Balochistan, 9,000 from Islamabad, 1,200 from Azad Kashmir and 600 pilgrims from Gilgit Baltistan.

Interestingly, 1,400 pilgrims also showed interest for performing Hajj in year 2028, 250 in 2029 and 350 in 2030.

Of the total registrations, 119,000 are males while 84,500 are women.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the milestone was achieved through the government's online Hajj portal, which allows applicants to complete their registration from home without visiting designated offices. The initiative is aimed at making the process more convenient, transparent and efficient for intending pilgrims across the country.

A ministry spokesperson said that, on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, an online payment system has also been introduced to streamline the collection of Hajj dues. Under the new mechanism, applicants will be able to submit payments digitally through the 1LINK payment network, reducing reliance on physical bank visits and simplifying the overall application process.

The ministry stated that the new digital framework covers the entire Hajj journey, from registration to payment, offering a more user-friendly experience.

The online platform has also been extended to overseas Pakistanis, enabling them to register for Hajj 2027 and pay their Hajj expenses remotely through the same digital system. The ministry said the move is intended to make the process easier for Pakistanis living abroad who plan to perform the annual pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged prospective pilgrims who have not yet completed their registration to use the official online portal within the announced timeframe. It added that further details regarding Hajj packages, the balloting process, payment schedules and other operational arrangements will be announced in the coming months as preparations for Hajj 2027 continue.

Reporter Usman Khan