Private Hajj bookings pick up as ministry monitors registration process

Bookings under the private Hajj scheme have gained pace after the Monitoring Section of the Ministry of Religious Affairs intervened to review the registration process. According to a ministry spokesperson, the number of applications submitted through the Pak Hajj app has risen to 21,547, while around 50,000 seats remain available under the private scheme. Pilgrims have been directed to make their payments only through the Pak Hajj app, with the ministry stressing that direct payments to individuals or companies are not allowed. The ministry said approximately Rs18 billion had so far been transferred through the Hajj Portal to accounts of authorised companies. Around 45% of the amount was paid through digital channels, while the remaining 55% was deposited using manual bank challans. Registration for the private Hajj scheme through the Hajj Portal will remain open until November 20, 2026. The portal currently features more than 2,000 Hajj packages offered by 25 authorised companies, giving prospective pilgrims a range of options. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has advised private pilgrims to submit complaints or report issues through the inquiry option available on the Hajj Portal.