Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced the start of registration for pilgrims going under government and private schemes for next year’s Hajj.
According to the ministry, people can register themselves through 15 approved banks and only registered individuals will be considered eligible for Hajj 2026. The registration process will continue till July 9, after which pilgrims will be allowed to choose between government or private Hajj schemes. No fee will be paid for registration.
According to the statement, the expenses and other terms and conditions of Hajj 2026 will be issued separately as per the Hajj policy. Registration has also been made mandatory for pilgrims left out of the private scheme and Pakistanis living abroad.
Saudi Arabia had given Pakistan a quota of 1,79,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2025, which was divided equally between government and private operators.
Although the government has completed its quota of over 88,000 pilgrims, a large portion of the private quota could not be utilized due to delays in payment and registration by companies.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to immediately begin preparations for Hajj 2026 and introduce immediate reforms in the private Hajj scheme.
