ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has revised the schedule for receiving applications under the government Hajj scheme 2027, with the process now set to begin on August 18 instead of August 17.
According to ministry sources, applications and Hajj dues will be accepted through Habib Bank Limited (HBL) branches as well as online, with applications to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications to close once government quota is filled
Sources said the ministry will stop accepting further applications once the allocated quota for the government scheme is filled.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2027 has been fixed at 179,210 pilgrims, with the government and private schemes allocated 60 per cent and 40pc respectively.
The ministry’s figures put the government scheme’s quota at 177,526 pilgrims, while 71,684 seats have been allocated to the private scheme.
The figures, however, total more than the overall quota of 179,210 and may require official clarification.
Under the revised payment mechanism, Hajj expenses will be collected in two equal instalments.
Pilgrims will have to pay half of the total amount at the time of submitting their application, while the remaining amount will be collected in the second instalment.
The ministry had earlier decided to streamline Hajj-related financial transactions through a single banking channel, with HBL selected to collect payments.
Intending pilgrims will therefore be able to submit applications and dues only through HBL, either online or at its branches.
The ministry is expected to issue further details regarding the application process and payment schedule through its official channels.
Prospective pilgrims have also been advised to rely on authentic ministry platforms for Hajj-related information and remain cautious of fraudulent advertisements circulating on social media.
