Application Process Begins for Hajj 2026
Islamabad – Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced the commencement of Hajj 2026 application submissions, starting Sunday, August 4, 2025. The applications will be processed strictly on a “first-come, first-served” basis, a shift from previous balloting systems used in some years.
According to a spokesperson from the Ministry, applicants can submit their requests through designated banks or the official online Hajj portal. The system has been streamlined to ensure quicker processing and improved transparency, following feedback from past pilgrims.
Payment Schedule and Quota Details
As per official guidelines, registered applicants will be required to deposit the first installment between August 4 and August 9. If seats remain available after this period, a second phase will open from August 11 to August 16, allowing additional applicants to register. However, once Pakistan’s allocated Hajj quota is filled, no further applications or payments will be accepted.
The total estimated cost for Hajj 2026 is between PKR 1,150,000 to 1,250,000 (approximately USD 4,100 to 4,500), which includes the mandatory animal sacrifice (Dam-e-Shukr). The second installment of payment is scheduled to be collected from November 1, 2025.
For a detailed breakdown of Hajj 2026 application costs, key dates, and government scheme details, read the full coverage here.
This phased financial approach aims to make it easier for applicants to manage the significant cost of the pilgrimage while ensuring only serious candidates proceed to later stages of preparation.
Policy Revisions: Age and Repeat Pilgrimage Limits Removed
In a noteworthy policy shift, the Ministry has lifted the upper age limit and the restriction on performing Hajj more than once, both of which were enforced in previous years to manage demand.
This means:
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Senior citizens above 65 can now apply.
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Individuals who have already performed Hajj under the government quota may apply again.
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However, applicants must have been born before March 1, 2014 — children younger than this date will not be eligible.
This move is expected to benefit many families who previously couldn’t travel together due to age-based exclusions or those who missed their chance due to health or financial constraints in earlier years.
Improved Accessibility Through Digital Platforms
The Ministry is encouraging citizens to use the official online Hajj portal, which offers detailed guidance, application tracking, and document uploads. The portal has been revamped for better user experience and to reduce the burden on bank branches during peak application periods.
Digital initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize Hajj operations, reduce corruption risks, and ensure equitable access to all regions of Pakistan.
Hajj Quota and Demand in Context
Pakistan is one of the world’s largest contributors of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia during Hajj. In 2024, the country was allocated 179,210 seats under the Saudi quota system. That number is expected to remain stable or slightly increase for Hajj 2026, depending on Saudi policy and Pakistan’s population metrics.
In previous years, over 200,000 applications have been received for available spots, leading to competitive selection and calls for increased transparency. The shift to a first-come-first-served model is designed to simplify the process, but it also places pressure on applicants to act quickly.
Conclusion: Apply Early, Stay Informed
With Hajj being one of the five pillars of Islam, demand remains extremely high across Pakistan’s population. The Ministry’s move to a more accessible and inclusive application system marks a positive step forward, but aspiring pilgrims are urged to submit their applications promptly, ensure documentation is accurate, and stay updated through official channels.
For official details, citizens are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Religious Affairs website or reach out via its helpline before making any payments.
