Deadline for depositing second Hajj installment Oct 20: ministry

ISLAMABAD (APP) - The spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Thursday stated that the collection of the second installment of Hajj dues under the Government Hajj Scheme is underway, with 39,200 pilgrims having deposited the amount so far. According to the spokesperson, 19,590 pilgrims made online payments from the comfort of their homes through 1LINK, while 1,600 used bank cards. Another 18,000 pilgrims opted to pay through manual bank challans. Online payments made through the digital Hajj portal account for 54 percent of the total, while a total of PKR 25 billion has been received so far against the second installment. The spokesperson noted that the deadline for depositing the second installment is October 20, 2026. Pilgrims can complete their payments through the National IT Board's digital Hajj portal using 1LINK, bank cards, or manual bank challans. It was clarified that before making the payment, pilgrims must print the medical fitness form available on the Hajj portal and have it verified by a medical doctor. So far, 104,000 pilgrims have uploaded their medical fitness certificates to the Pak Hajj App, with the verification process completed for 94,000 of them. Meanwhile, the booking and payment process for the Private Hajj Scheme 2027 is also underway. To date, 34,000 pilgrims have deposited their dues, while 37,500 seats remain available. The spokesperson advised pilgrims to use only the Pak Hajj App or the digital Hajj portal for booking and payment under the Private Hajj Scheme.