ISLAMABAD: The government will begin accepting applications for the official Hajj scheme from August 4, following federal cabinet approval of the Hajj Policy 2026.
Selections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, in line with the Saudi timeline. Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, with 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 through private operators, subject to final confirmation from Saudi Arabia.
The policy introduces two package options: a traditional 38–42 day stay and a shorter 20–25 day package, with estimated costs ranging from Rs1.15 million to Rs1.25 million. Pilgrims will pay dues in two installments, starting with Rs500,000 for the long package and Rs550,000 for the short package, through designated banks.
Applicants must have passports valid until at least November 26, 2026, while children under 12 are ineligible. All pilgrims are required to be vaccinated with Saudi-approved vaccines.
The “Road to Makkah” initiative will continue at Islamabad and Karachi airports. Overseas Pakistanis will be allowed to remit Hajj payments directly to nominated bank accounts. Additionally, animal sacrifice payments will be made only through the official Saudi system.
Private Hajj operators, including Dependent Hajj Companies (DHCs), will face strict financial safeguards and transparent digital monitoring under the new policy.
