ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has started the second phase of receiving applications for Hajj 2026, the spokesperson of the religious affairs ministry said on Monday, as Islamabad undertakes preparations for next year’s annual Islamic pilgrimage. 

Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs received more than 71,000 applications in the first phase of Hajj form submissions, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Saturday.

Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2026, with 129,210 seats allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators.

“The second phase of receiving Hajj applications has begun,” the religious affairs ministry spokesperson said. “Hajj applications are being accepted through the ministry’s online portal and designated banks.”

The spokesperson said applications containing the first installment of Hajj expenses will be accepted until August 16. He said unregistered Hajj pilgrims will also be allowed to submit their applications during the second round of submissions. 

“Overseas Pakistanis can also apply for Hajj through a close relative via designated banks,” the spokesperson said. “Medical fitness certificates for overseas applicants must be submitted upon arrival in Pakistan.”

The ministry said the government will stop accepting Hajj applications as soon as the quota for intending pilgrims is filled. 

Under the government scheme, Pakistani pilgrims can choose between a long Hajj package of 38 to 42 days or a short package of 20 to 25 days, with costs estimated between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million ($4,050-$4,236).

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.