Pakistan Extends Hajj 2026 Application Deadline by One Day

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced an extension in the deadline for submitting applications for the Hajj 2026 government scheme.

According to ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, applicants can now submit their forms at designated banks until Monday, August 18, under the “first-come, first-served” policy. However, the online Hajj portal will close at midnight on August 16 and will not reopen.

The ministry revealed that over 110,000 applications have already been received in the past 12 days, while nearly 7,000 seats under the government quota are still available. Officials clarified that once all remaining seats are filled, no further applications will be accepted.

Hajj 2026 Packages & Costs

This year, the government is offering two types of Hajj packages:

• Long package: 38–42 days

• Short package: 20–25 days

The Hajj 2026 cost in Pakistan ranges between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million. Applicants are required to pay an initial deposit of Rs500,000 or Rs550,000 (depending on the package) at the time of application. The balance must be cleared by November 1, 2025.

Eligibility & Quota Distribution

The ministry confirmed that overseas Pakistanis holding a valid Pakistani passport are also eligible to apply.

Under the new quota policy:

• 70% of seats are reserved for the government scheme.

• 30% are allocated to private Hajj operators.

Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2026 is expected to be 179,210 pilgrims, including 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 via private tour operators, subject to final confirmation from Saudi authorities.