Hajj applicants barred from direct payments to private operators

The government has issued important instructions for pilgrims applying for Hajj 2027, banning direct payments to private Hajj operators under the private Hajj scheme. According to sources, booking for the 2027 private Hajj scheme has formally begun. For the first time, the booking process, selection of Hajj packages, and all payments will be made only through the Pak Hajj App and Hajj Portal under the supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The ministry said pilgrims would also select their private Hajj company exclusively through the official app or portal. Direct payments to any private operator or unauthorised agent will not be accepted. Authorities warned that applicants who pay money to an unauthorised agent or individual will bear full responsibility for any loss. Under the 2027 private Hajj scheme, 71,696 pilgrims will perform Hajj, while more than 105,000 people have already registered through the Pak Hajj App. The Ministry of Religious Affairs said 25 authorised private Hajj companies are currently registered with it. Only packages offered by these companies will be available through the official Hajj Portal and Pak Hajj App.