Pakistan has extended the deadline for submitting Hajj applications under the government scheme by one day.
Designated banks will now accept applications on Monday, August 18, after authorities reported receiving over 110,000 submissions in the past 12 days.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota stands at 179,210 pilgrims, with 129,210 spots allocated to the government scheme and the remaining reserved for private tour operators.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the State Bank of Pakistan had approved its request to keep 14 designated banks open on the original final day, Saturday. However, the deadline was later extended on Saturday evening.
“The receipt of Hajj applications has been extended by one day,” a ministry spokesperson confirmed.
“Designated banks will continue accepting applications on Monday, August 18. So far, more than 110,000 applications have been received under the government scheme, with only 7,000 seats remaining.”
The ministry emphasized that the extension is on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications will close immediately once the quota is filled.
However, the ministry clarified that no extension would apply to its online portal, which will stop accepting applications at midnight on August 16.
Applications under the government scheme opened on August 4. Applicants are advised to obtain computerized receipts and verify their information through the ministry’s website or the Pak Hajj 2026 mobile app.
The government scheme offers two package options:
Long package: 38–42 days
Short package: 20–25 days
Costs range from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 (approximately $4,050–$4,236).
Applicants must initially deposit Rs500,000 or Rs550,000, depending on the package, with the remaining balance due in November.
While Saudi Arabia has maintained the same Hajj quota for Pakistan in 2025, many private tour operators struggled last year to utilize their share due to technical and financial challenges, despite the government successfully filling its quota of over 88,000 pilgrims.
