Pakistan’s government has started the second phase of receiving applications for Hajj 2026, the spokesperson of the religious affairs ministry said on Monday.
Prospective pilgrims can submit their applications through the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ online portal or designated banks until Saturday.
In this phase, unregistered applicants may also apply. According to Radio Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis can submit Hajj applications through a close relative at designated banks. Upon arrival in Pakistan, overseas applicants will be required to provide a medical fitness certificate.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said on July 30 in Islamabad that Pakistan’s Hajj quota for 2026 has been set at 179,210, though the final confirmation will come from Saudi authorities. The quota for the government scheme will be 119,210, while the private scheme will have 60,000. The government scheme will offer a long package of 38–42 days and a short package of 20–25 days. Children under 12 will not be permitted to perform Hajj this year.
He added that the estimated cost for the government scheme will range between Rs. 1.15 million and Rs. 1.25 million, subject to final approval of agreements with service providers. Overseas applicants will be able to transfer funds into designated bank accounts. Receiving vaccines approved by Saudi Arabia will be mandatory.
The “Route to Makkah” facility will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports. The Ministry’s monitoring team will assess the performance of Hajj operations, and a transparent and effective complaint system will be in place.
Hajj is an annual religious obligation performed by millions of Muslims worldwide in Makkah. It takes place in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Adha marks the conclusion of Hajj, during which animals are sacrificed in remembrance of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice, and the meat is distributed among the needy.
