Pakistan has received over 71,000 applications from intending pilgrims in the first phase of the Hajj 2026 program, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on Saturday.
“So far, more than 71,000 Hajj applications have been submitted online and through designated banks,” confirmed ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt.
He said the next phase will run from Monday to next Saturday (August 11 to 16), during which applications will be accepted along with the first installment of expenses, adding that in this stage, unregistered intending pilgrims will also be eligible to apply.
Under the new policy, 70 percent of the quota is reserved for the government scheme and 30 percent for private tour operators.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota stands at 179,210 pilgrims—119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 for private operators—pending final approval by Saudi authorities.
