ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has urged intending pilgrims to deposit their second installment of Hajj dues today, Saturday, before the expiry of a Nov. 15 deadline, Pakistani state media reported.

Pakistan has been allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026. Of these, around 118,000 seats have been allocated to the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators.

Under Pakistan’s Hajj scheme, the estimated cost of the government package ranges from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 [$4,049.93 to $4,236], subject to final agreements with service providers.

Applicants paid an initial installment of Rs500,000 ($1,764) or Rs550,000 ($1,941), depending on the selected package, in August, while the remaining amount was to be paid by November 15.

“Designated banks will remain open today for collection of Hajj dues,” the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported on Saturday, citing religious affairs ministry spokesman Muhammad Umar Butt.

“Obtain computerized bank receipts after depositing dues to avoid cancelation.”

Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this month signed a formal agreement regarding Hajj 2026 arrangements, the Pakistani religious affairs ministry said this month.

The agreement was signed by Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Al-Mashat and Pakistan’s Secretary for Religious Affairs Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman in Jeddah.

“The Ministry of Religious Affairs is committed to completing the arrangements for the government and private Hajj schemes in a timely and effective manner as per the instructions of the Saudi government,” Rehman said, thanking the Saudi government for efforts to facilitate pilgrims and expressing hopes about provision of quality services to Pakistani pilgrims next year as well.