ISLAMABAD, August 18, 2025 —
Over 114,500 applications have been received so far under the Government Hajj Scheme 2026, leaving just 3,500 seats available, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced today.
A Ministry spokesperson confirmed that designated bank branches across the country are still accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are urged to submit their forms promptly as the process will close immediately once the seats are filled.
The record number of applicants underscores the high demand for Hajj visas under the government’s scheme.
(Related: See our internal feature “Government Hajj Scheme Guidelines” for past updates.)
Background & Phases
- The first phase, open to registered pilgrims, began on August 4.
- In the second phase, which commenced on August 11, both registered and unregistered Pakistanis—including overseas applicants via relatives—were allowed to apply.
- Despite the phased approach, the spree of applications has quickly pushed demand close to the allocated quota.
Key Figures at a Glance
| Metric | Count |
|---|---|
| Total Government Quota | ~129,210 seats |
| Applications Received | Over 114,500 |
| Seats Remaining | Around 3,500 |
Application Process & Next Steps
- Interested pilgrims must submit their application and first installment at a nominated bank; online portal submissions are closed.
- Once all seats are taken, the acceptance of applications will halt immediately.
