ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has opened the mandatory registration for Hajj 2027 for aspiring pilgrims in the country and abroad, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said on Monday, saying that discussions were underway with Saudi Arabia to raise the country’s quota for pilgrims.
Hajj 2026 concluded in Saudi Arabia last month, with millions of Muslims taking part in the annual Islamic pilgrimage. Pakistan was allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims, one of the largest in the world, with pilgrims traveling under both the government and private schemes.
Speaking at the Hajj registration launching ceremony in Islamabad, Yousaf said it was mandatory for aspiring pilgrims to complete the registration process before choosing either the government or private Hajj schemes.
“Registration for Hajj 2027 has started today,” Yousaf was quoted as saying by the religious affairs ministry. “Hajj 2027 registration is free of charge; no fee will be collected.”
The minister said overseas Pakistanis will be able to register from any country for the pilgrimage, adding that members of the same family were allowed to register jointly.
He said registration for Hajj 2027 could be completed at any designated bank or online. Yousaf highlighted that it was mandatory for intending pilgrims to ensure their passports were valid till Nov. 26, 2027.
Yousaf said Pakistan’s Muslim population has exceeded 230 million people. He added that discussions were underway between Islamabad and Riyadh to increase Pakistan’s Hajj quota from the existing 179,210 pilgrims.
“Pakistan’s Hajj quota should come to approximately 230,000 pilgrims,” he said.
Earlier this month, the religious ministry said details about Hajj 2027 package costs, including the terms and conditions, will be announced later under the forthcoming Hajj policy.
