The government has launched the second phase of Hajj applications across Pakistan starting Monday. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is now accepting applications through its online portal and selected banks.
In this phase, unregistered pilgrims can also apply for Hajj 2026 by submitting their applications along with the first instalment of expenses. The ministry will accept applications until August 16 or until the government quota is filled.
Only pilgrims born before March 1, 2014, are eligible to perform Hajj. Women can now perform Hajj without a mahram by submitting a special form available at designated banks, making the process easier and more inclusive.
Overseas Pakistanis can also secure Hajj slots through close relatives at nominated banks. However, expatriates must provide medical fitness certificates upon arrival in Pakistan to complete their registration.
Saudi Arabia has allotted Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj. Of these, 129,210 slots are under the government scheme, and the rest are for private tour operators. Pilgrims can choose between long and short-duration packages with costs ranging from Rs 1,150,000 to Rs 1,250,000.
The ministry launched this second application phase to reach the target of 1.2 million pilgrims. So far, only 450,000 registered pilgrims have applied, prompting the government to welcome unregistered applicants to fill the remaining quota.