The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has officially extended the booking deadline for the Private Hajj Scheme 2026 until October 22, providing pilgrims with additional time to secure their spots for the upcoming Hajj season.
According to ministry officials, private Hajj operators have so far registered approximately 55,500 pilgrims, while around 4,500 slots remain unfilled. The ministry confirmed that the decision to extend the deadline aims to facilitate applicants who were unable to complete their booking process within the initial timeframe.
A spokesperson for the ministry stated that the extension was formally approved by the Secretary of Religious Affairs, ensuring a transparent and convenient process for all registered Hajj operators and intending pilgrims.
The statement further clarified that all bookings under the Private Hajj Scheme will continue to follow the Hajj Policy 2026 and the Service Provider Agreement, which outline the operational, financial, and logistical framework for private tour operators managing Hajj arrangements.
The ministry emphasized that no additional quota would be introduced beyond the allocated slots. However, unfilled quotas may be redistributed among registered Hajj operators to ensure optimal utilization of available capacity.
This year’s Hajj policy highlights the government’s efforts to streamline both government and private Hajj operations through improved coordination, better digital monitoring, and enhanced service delivery standards. The initiative is designed to make the pilgrimage process more transparent, accessible, and efficient for Pakistani pilgrims.
Officials also reminded applicants to verify that their selected private Hajj operators are duly registered and authorized by the ministry. All operators must adhere strictly to the contractual terms to ensure compliance with the Service Provider Agreement and avoid potential penalties for any policy violations.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs reiterated its commitment to maintaining service quality and ensuring that every pilgrim traveling under the private scheme receives standardized facilities in line with government-approved guidelines.
With the extension now in effect, intending pilgrims are encouraged to complete their registration and payment procedures before the final deadline of October 22, 2025.
