Private hajj scheme applications open for new pilgrims in Pakistan

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that applications for the private Hajj scheme are now open. This year, 37,900 new pilgrims will be able to apply.

According to the ministry, priority will be given to those who could not perform Hajj last year. Reports show that 22,097 such pilgrims had already registered, and private Hajj operators must provide an affidavit to confirm their registration.

In total, the quota for private Hajj operators has been fixed at 60,000. This includes both the 22,097 previously registered pilgrims and 37,903 new applicants.

Earlier, the federal government had introduced a major policy shift by starting applications for Hajj 2026. The ministry’s spokesperson, Muhammad Umar Butt, explained that the previous age limit and the restriction on performing Hajj multiple times have now been removed. This makes it easier for more people to apply.

He said that applications can be submitted through designated banks as well as the official online portal. For already registered applicants, the process will follow a “first-come, first-served” policy, and they must deposit their first installment between August 4 and 9.

New applicants will be able to apply from August 11 to 16, depending on seat availability. However, the ministry has made it clear that once all available seats are filled, the collection of Hajj dues will be stopped immediately.

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