Pakistan receives over 58,000 Hajj applications for 2026

Pakistan has received more than 58,000 applications from prospective pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Friday. To accommodate the ongoing application process, designated banks will remain open on Saturday, August 9.

The country has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims by Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj. Of these, 129,210 spots are reserved under the government scheme, while the remaining quota is assigned to private tour operators.

Under the government scheme, applicants can choose between a long-duration Hajj package (38–42 days) and a shorter option (20–25 days). The estimated cost for these packages ranges from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 (approximately $4,050 to $4,236).

“So far, more than 58,000 Hajj applications have been received,” the ministry said in an official statement, adding that the designated banks will remain open on Saturday to continue accepting applications.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed 14 designated banks to facilitate the extended submission period, following a request from the ministry.

Pilgrims can submit their applications either online or through designated banks, based on their convenience. Applicants are being registered on a first-come, first-served basis and must deposit the first installment of their Hajj dues by August 9. The second installment will be collected starting in November.

The statement also noted that Pakistan was granted the same quota in 2025. While the government fully utilized its allocation of over 88,000 pilgrims that year, a large portion of the private Hajj quota went unused. This was largely due to delays by tour operators in completing payment and registration requirements.

Private operators cited technical issues, including problems with payment processing and communication lapses, as primary reasons for the shortfall.