ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that all applications for the government’s Hajj Scheme 2026 that have paid first installment dues have been successfully accepted.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad last week, the Minister for Religious Affairs said that alongside the completion of this year’s quota, expanded by 30,000 seats, refunds worth Rs3.5 billion are being processed for Hajj 2025 pilgrims.
The Minister said, “Our efforts are aimed at making the holy journey easy and convenient for the guests of Allah.” He also expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities for their cooperation, particularly the Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Rabia, and Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki.
The Minister revealed that arrangements for Hajj 2026 began soon after last year’s pilgrimage, allowing the ministry to control expenses and enhance facilities. Improvements introduced in 2025, such as air-conditioned tents, folding mattresses, and chipboard partitions in Mina, will continue this year.
The “Hajj Nazim Scheme,” launched to provide step-by-step guidance to groups of 150 pilgrims each, will also be expanded and improved for the upcoming season.
Pilgrims selected under the government scheme have been instructed to deposit their second installment between November 3 and November 15 at designated banks. Notifications will be sent through the official mobile application ‘Pak Hajj’, the Minister confirmed.
He also announced that every pilgrim will receive a large trolley bag, a hand-carry bag, and a scarf for women, along with a Saudi mobile SIM offering 300–600 call minutes and internet data for communication convenience.
The long Hajj package (40 days) has been priced at Rs1.15 million, while the short package (25 days) will cost Rs1.2 million.
REFUNDS FOR 2025 PILGRIMS
The Minister said that refunds to Hajj 2025 pilgrims have already begun, with Rs3.5 billion being returned to account for cost differences in Mina and Makkah accommodations. Refunds will be completed by October 31 through the pilgrims’ bank accounts.
TRAINING AND FACILITIES
The Minister emphasized that mandatory Hajj training sessions will be conducted nationwide to ensure that all pilgrims are well-prepared for both rituals and administrative processes. The ministry has also improved training materials to better guide pilgrims throughout their journey.
Concluding the briefing, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to “serve the guests of Allah with sincerity and efficiency,” assuring that all arrangements are being finalized in close coordination with Saudi authorities.