ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has received more than 71,000 applications in the first phase of Hajj form submissions, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Saturday, citing a senior official.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2026, with 129,210 seats allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators.
Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long package of 38 to 42 days or a short package of 20 to 25 days, with costs estimated between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million ($4,050-$4,236).
“The next phase will run from August 11 to 16, during which applications will be accepted along with the first installment of expenses,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Muhammad Umar Butt, said, according to APP. “In this stage, unregistered intending pilgrims will also be eligible to apply.”
The report said overseas Pakistanis can also apply through a close relative at any designated bank branch and will be required to provide medical fitness certificates upon arrival in Pakistan.
