A massive influx of applications marked the final day of Hajj 2026 registration, with nearly 250,000 Pakistanis vying for a spot on the pilgrimage. The application period, initiated last month by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, concluded Wednesday, July 9. Citizens nationwide registered, and will soon select between government and private Hajj packages. For the 2025 pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia granted Pakistan a quota of 179,210, evenly split between government and private operators.

Fifteen designated banks facilitated the registration, with full completion mandatory for eligibility. The application process was free, and an online option was available. The Ministry stated that Hajj 2026 pricing, requirements, and guidelines would be announced separately under a forthcoming Hajj policy. Overseas Pakistanis are also required to register for the pilgrimage.

Those who encountered payment or registration issues under the private Hajj scheme for 2025 are advised to register early this year. A significant portion of the private quota remained unfilled in the previous Hajj season.