The Pakistani government has officially shut down the registration process for the 2026 Hajj under its state-sponsored scheme, following an overwhelming rush of applications that filled the available quota in a record 17 days. The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that a total of 118,060 applications were received before the portal was closed, as the demand for slots surged far quicker than anticipated.
The application process, which was carried out through both online platforms and designated banks, operated on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach allowed thousands of prospective pilgrims to secure their place early, prompting a swift conclusion to the registration phase. The ministry, citing the rapid response, announced that no further applications will be accepted under the government quota.
Applicants were given the option to choose between short and long-duration Hajj packages, tailored to suit varying needs and budgets. To complete the initial registration, a 50% upfront deposit was required, with the balance scheduled to be paid closer to the actual departure date in 2026. The government has assured all successful applicants that further communication—including confirmation and next steps—will be sent out in the coming weeks as the selection and verification process continues.
Pakistan’s Hajj quota for the 2026 pilgrimage remains fixed at 179,210 pilgrims, as allocated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Out of this figure, 50,000 slots have been reserved for private tour operators, while the remaining majority is assigned to the government-administered scheme. This dual-system structure is designed to balance accessibility with flexibility, allowing citizens to choose between standardized government arrangements and customized packages offered by licensed private firms.
This year’s swift response underlines the deep religious commitment of the Pakistani population, where the Hajj pilgrimage holds immense spiritual value. The strong interest also reflects public trust in the improved transparency and efficiency of the application process introduced by the Ministry in recent years.
With registration now closed, attention turns to the next phase—vetting, scheduling, and preparing the selected pilgrims for the spiritual journey of a lifetime. The Ministry has reiterated that only those who successfully registered within the designated timeframe will be considered, urging the public to avoid misinformation and unauthorized agents claiming to offer additional slots.