Designated banks stay open today as Pakistan receives Hajj applications on final day
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims. Of this, 129,210 seats have been allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators. The religious affairs ministry this week said it had received 91,000 applications under the government scheme.
The religious affairs ministry said the State Bank of Pakistan accepted its request and issued orders to keep open branches of 14 designated banks for the receipt of Hajj applications on the final day. Pakistan began receiving Hajj applications on Aug. 4.
'Bookings will be closed once the required number of applicants is reached,' the ministry said. 'Hajj applications received on a first-come, first-served basis will be considered valid.'
It urged Hajj applicants to obtain a computerized receipt from the bank and check their details on the ministry's online portal or Pak Hajj 2026 app.
'In case of any mistake, get it corrected immediately by the concerned bank,' the ministry added.
Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long Hajj package (38–42 days) and a short package (20–25 days). The estimated cost of the government Hajj package ranges between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 (approximately $4,050 to $4,236).
'It is mandatory to submit the first installment of Rs500,000 or Rs550,000 along with the application according to the package,' the ministry said this week.
'The second installment of Hajj dues will be collected from November 1.'
Saudi Arabia approved the same overall quota for Pakistan in 2025, but a significant portion of the private allocation went unused due to delays by tour operators in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government fulfilled its share of over 88,000 pilgrims.
Private operators blamed the shortfall on technical issues, including payment processing and communication problems.
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