250,000 Citizens Register for Hajj 2026

Nearly 250,000 Pakistanis have completed their mandatory registration for Hajj 2026, as the deadline for the initial sign-up process closes today (Wednesday), according to state media reports.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs had opened the registration phase last month, allowing intending pilgrims to submit their applications by July 9 without any upfront fee. Registration was available both online and through 15 designated banks.

Those who complete this phase will later be allowed to choose between the government and private Hajj schemes, once the final policy, including costs and conditions, is announced.

As per the Associated Press of Pakistan, the strong early response reflects public interest in next year’s pilgrimage, despite a challenging Hajj 2025 season where private operators failed to utilise a significant portion of their allocated quota.

In 2025, Pakistan received a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims, split evenly between government and private operators.

While the government successfully sent over 88,000 pilgrims, many private companies struggled to meet deadlines due to payment and communication issues, leaving thousands without arrangements.

The mandatory registration this time also includes those Pakistanis who were unable to travel under the private scheme this year, along with applicants from overseas.