On August 16, 2025, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced a one-day extension for Hajj 2026 application submissions. Designated banks will accept application forms on Monday, August 18, under a “first-come, first-served” policy, as stated by spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt. However, the online portal closed at midnight on August 16.
In the past 12 days, applicants submitted over 110,000 requests for Hajj under the government scheme, leaving roughly 7,000 seats available in the 119,210-pilgrim quota.
The ministry announced it will stop accepting applications once the quota reaches capacity. Pakistan’s total Hajj quota stands at 179,210 pilgrims, with 70% allocated to the government scheme and 30% reserved for private operators, subject to Saudi approval.
The government scheme offers:
- Long Package: 38–42 days, costing Rs1.15M–Rs1.25M.
- Short Package: 20–25 days, with the same cost range.
An initial payment of Rs 500,000 or Rs 550,000 is required, with the remaining balance due from November 1. Overseas Pakistanis who have valid passports are eligible.
Read: Pakistan Hajj 2026: Application Dates Extended for Unregistered Pilgrims
The extension, following the State Bank of Pakistan’s special banking hours on August 16, aims to accommodate pilgrims, aligning with efforts to streamline civic services like NADRA’s Pak ID app, per web:1. The ministry’s focus on accessibility supports Pakistan’s religious commitments, ensuring broader participation in the 2026 Hajj.
The Hajj 2026 deadline extension enhances access for pilgrims, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to religious inclusivity. It could influence future pilgrimage planning.
