Deadline for Hajj registration has been extended by the government
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced an extension for the submission of Hajj-2026 applications in Pakistan. The new deadline for applications submitted at designated banks is now August 18, 2025.
The extension comes as a relief for those who were unable to submit their applications before the initial deadline, which was August 17. This extension will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and will continue until the remaining government quota seats are filled. At the time of the extension, approximately 7,000 seats were still available.
It is important to note that the online portal for Hajj-2026 applications closed on August 16, 2025, without any extension. However, physical applications can still be submitted at designated banks.
Quota and Seat Availability
Pakistan has a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2026. Of these, 129,210 seats are under the government scheme, with the remaining seats allocated to private tour operators. Over 110,000 applications were already received by mid-August 2025, leaving around 7,000 government scheme seats still vacant before the one-day extension.
Selection Process
Applicants are required to deposit Rs500,000 for the long-duration package and Rs550,000 for the short-duration package. Applications submitted with the first installment secure a spot until the quota fills, following a first-come, first-served basis.
Overseas Pakistanis can apply through close relatives at designated banks, with medical fitness certificates abroad able to be submitted upon arrival. Application acceptance will cease immediately once the quota is met.
The increased share of the Hajj quota, as reported, has helped restore public confidence in the official scheme. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs is Muhammad Umar Butt.
In summary, the one-day extension for Hajj-2026 applications in Pakistan will allow for 7,000 government scheme seats to be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is now August 18, 2025, with the ministry's online portal no longer operational after midnight on August 16.
News regarding the Hajj-2026 applications extension has brought relief to many, as the new deadline is now August 18, 2025. This extension comes in the financial aspect of securing a government scheme seat for the Hajj pilgrimage, as over 7,000 seats were still available before the extension.
