Hajj 2026 Pakistan Government Scheme: Comprehensive Guide to Application, Costs, and Amenities

The Hajj 2026 pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred journey for Muslims worldwide. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Government of Pakistan, has announced the official guidelines for the Government Hajj Scheme 2026, aimed at facilitating Pakistani pilgrims. This article provides a detailed overview of the application process, costs, amenities, and terms for Hajj 2026, ensuring a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience. With a focus on transparency and accessibility, the scheme prioritizes registered pilgrims on a first-come, first-served basis.

Overview of Hajj 2026 Government Scheme

The Hajj 2026 pilgrimage is scheduled to occur in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 A.H., with applications opening on August 4, 2025. The scheme offers two packages: the Long Hajj Package (38–42 days) and the Short Hajj Package (20–25 days). The total quota for Pakistani pilgrims is 179,210, with 129,210 seats allocated to the government scheme, as announced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs []. Below, we outline the key aspects of the scheme, including costs, amenities, and application procedures.

Application Process and First Installment Collection

The application process for Hajj 2026 is streamlined to ensure accessibility for all eligible pilgrims. Applications and first installment payments will be accepted from August 4 to August 16, 2025, through designated banks and the ministry’s online portal.

Key Dates for Application and Payment

Phase	Dates	Details
Registered Pilgrims	August 4–10, 2025	Only pre-registered pilgrims can apply and deposit the first installment.
Unregistered Pilgrims	August 11–16, 2025	Applications and payments open for unregistered pilgrims if quota remains.
Payment Closure	Upon filling of seats	The payment option will close once the government scheme quota is filled.

First Installment Costs

Package Type	First Installment Amount
Long Hajj Package (38–42 days)	Rs. 500,000
Short Hajj Package (20–25 days)	Rs. 550,000

• Payment Method: Pilgrims can deposit dues in Pakistani Rupees at designated banks or online via the Ministry of Religious Affairs website []. Overseas Pakistanis can also deposit payments through their respective banks.
• Selection Criteria: Pilgrims are selected on a first-come, first-served basis, as per the timestamp on the online portal or bank submission [].

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj regulations, the following eligibility criteria apply:

• Passport Validity: Pakistani passports must be valid until November 26, 2026 [].
• Age Restriction: Pilgrims must be born before 2014; children under 12 are not permitted [].
• Religious Requirement: Applicants must be Muslim Pakistani passport holders.
• Female Pilgrims: Women can travel without a mahram by submitting a permit and affidavit available at designated banks [].

Basic Amenities Provided in the Government Hajj Package

The Government Hajj Scheme 2026 includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience. The estimated cost for the basic package ranges from Rs. 1,150,000 to Rs. 1,250,000, including the obligatory Qurbani (sacrifice) [].

Included Amenities

• Accommodation: Sharing accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, with optional double or triple bed arrangements in Makkah (subject to availability):
• Double Bed: Rs. 200,000 per person (for two-person occupancy).
• Triple Bed: Rs. 67,000 per person (for three-person occupancy) [].
• Transportation: Air-conditioned buses for travel between Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
• Round-Trip Air Tickets: Direct flights to Jeddah or Madinah via chartered airlines.
• Food: Meals provided during the pilgrimage, including buffet options in Mina and Arafat.
• Sacrifice (Qurbani): Included in the package, managed through the Saudi system; private sacrifices are not allowed.
• Zamzam: 5 liters of Zamzam water provided per pilgrim.
• Medical Facilities: Access to medical services in Saudi Arabia.
• Hajj Training: Mandatory training sessions to prepare pilgrims for rituals and Saudi regulations [].
• Mobile SIM: Provided for communication during the pilgrimage.
• Travel Bag: Complimentary travel bag for convenience.
• Life Insurance (Takaful): Coverage included for all pilgrims.
• Road to Makkah Initiative: Immigration and customs clearance at Islamabad and Karachi airports for a hassle-free departure [].

Optional Amenities

• Blue Room for Relatives: Available for mahram relatives in a 624-person family room, subject to availability [].
• Air-Conditioned Tents: Provided in Mina and Arafat for enhanced comfort.

Vaccination and Medical Requirements

• Mandatory Vaccination: Pilgrims must receive Saudi-approved vaccinations and submit a medical fitness certificate with their application [].
• Health Guidelines: Compliance with Saudi health protocols is mandatory to ensure pilgrim safety.

Terms and Conditions

The Hajj 2026 Government Scheme operates under strict guidelines to ensure fairness and compliance with both Pakistani and Saudi regulations:

1. Payment Structure: Dues must be paid in two installments, with the second installment collected in November 2025 [].
2. Non-Refundable Payments: No refunds after Hajj visa issuance or if substitution is rejected [].
3. Legal Compliance: Pilgrims must adhere to Saudi Arabia’s laws, with violations potentially leading to disqualification from future visits [].
4. Application Submission: Submit applications with a valid passport, CNIC/NICOP/SNIC, a passport-size photograph (white background), and proof of a valid bank account [].
5. Online Tracking: Pilgrims can track applications via the Ministry’s Hajj Portal or the Pak Hajj 2026 Mobile App [].
6. Contact Information: For assistance, contact the Hajj Helpline at 051-9216980, 9216981, 9216982, 9205696.

Designated Banks for Payments

Payments can be made at the following banks:

• MCB Bank
• Bank Islami
• Habib Bank Limited
• Allied Bank Limited
• National Bank of Pakistan
• Askari Bank
• United Bank Limited
• Bank Al Habib Limited
• Faisal Bank Limited
• Habib Metro Bank
• Bank Alfalah
• Soneri Bank Limited
• Agricultural Development Bank
• Meezan Bank [,]

Digital Enhancements for Hajj 2026

The Hajj Policy 2026 emphasizes digitization for a seamless experience:

• Online Portal: Register and track applications via the Ministry’s website [].
• Mobile Apps: Use Pak Hajj Moavin and Pak Hajj Guide for real-time updates and guidance.
• Digital Wristbands: For pilgrim tracking and safety.
• WhatsApp Channel: Follow MORA’s official WhatsApp channel for updates [].

FAQs

What is the cost of the Hajj 2026 Government Package?

The basic package costs between Rs. 1,150,000 and Rs. 1,250,000, including Qurbani. Optional amenities like double or triple bed accommodations incur additional costs [].

Who is eligible for the Hajj 2026 Government Scheme?

Muslim Pakistani passport holders with passports valid until November 26, 2026, born before 2014, are eligible. Women can travel without a mahram with a permit [].

How are pilgrims selected?

Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the application timestamp [].

Can overseas Pakistanis apply?

Yes, overseas Pakistanis can apply under the Regular Hajj Scheme and deposit dues in Pakistani Rupees through relatives or directly [].

What happens if the quota is not filled?

If the quota remains unfilled after August 10, unregistered pilgrims can apply from August 11–16, 2025 [].

Conclusion

The Hajj 2026 Government Scheme by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Pakistan, offers a well-structured, cost-effective, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience. With a transparent first-come, first-served application process, comprehensive amenities, and digital enhancements, the scheme ensures accessibility and convenience for all eligible pilgrims. For the latest updates, visit the Ministry’s official website or download the Pak Hajj 2026 Mobile App. Prepare for this sacred journey with confidence, knowing that the government is committed to facilitating a hassle-free and rewarding Hajj experience.