ISLAMABAD, SEPT 19: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has opened the receipt of applications for the 2026 private Hajj scheme, allowing 37,903 new pilgrims to apply.
At the same time, 22,097 pilgrims who missed out last year will be given priority by private Hajj operators.
Priority for deferred pilgrims
According to the ministry, private Hajj operators are required to first accommodate last year’s registered pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj.
A total of 22,097 such pilgrims have already been registered, ensuring that their long wait comes to an end this year.
Operators will also provide an affidavit confirming the completion of last year’s registrations before new applicants are considered.
Quota distribution
The total quota for private Hajj operators has been set at 60,000 pilgrims, the ministry confirmed.
This allocation will allow both the 22,097 previously deprived pilgrims and the 37,903 fresh applicants to perform the sacred journey under the private Hajj scheme.
On August 23, the process of receiving applications under the government Hajj scheme had officially completed, with 118,060 pilgrims applying from across country. Authorities stopped accepting further applications after an overwhelming response within just 17 days.
According to Ministry of Religious Affairs sources, the government had opened applications on a first-come, first-served basis, both online and through designated banks. Due to a strong rush of applicants, the quota was filled earlier than in previous years.
Pilgrims opt for short and long-duration Hajj
Applicants submitted forms for both long and short-duration Hajj packages. The ministry confirmed that half of the total Hajj expenses were received as the first installment, while the remaining amount will be collected in the second installment.
