Pakistan eases private Hajj 2026 deadline amid surge in bookings
Ministry has directed all approved Hajj organizers to finalize bookings by October 22, 2025, under the Hajj Policy 2026 and SPA

Javed Hussain
Correspondent
I have almost 20 years of experience in print, radio, and TV media. I started my career with "Daily Jang" after which I got the opportunity to work in FM 103, Radio Pakistan, News One, Ab Tak News, Dawn News TV, Dunya News, 92 News and regional channels Rohi TV, Apna Channel and Sach TV where I worked and gained experience in different areas of all three mediums. My journey from reporting to news anchor in these organisations was excellent. Now, I am working as a correspondent with Nukta in Islamabad, where I get the opportunity of in-depth journalism and storytelling while I am now covering parliamentary affairs, politics, and technology.

The government of Pakistan has extended the booking deadline for the Private Hajj Scheme 2026 by five days, offering relief to thousands of intending pilgrims who have yet to finalize their travel arrangements.
Pakistan’s Hajj operations are managed under two categories - the government scheme and the private scheme. Under the government scheme, the Ministry of Religious Affairs directly oversees travel, accommodation, and services for pilgrims. The private scheme, by contrast, authorizes approved Hajj operators to organize these arrangements independently, offering packages at varying levels of service and cost. Both programs remain under strict government regulation to maintain standards and ensure a safe and well-coordinated pilgrimage experience.
According to an official announcement from the Ministry, all approved Hajj organizers have been instructed to complete their bookings by October 22, 2025, in line with the Hajj Policy 2026 and the Service Provider Agreement (SPA).
This year, a total of 60,000 seats have been allocated under the private Hajj quota. Of these, 55,500 pilgrims have already confirmed their bookings, leaving around 4,500 seats still available.
The Ministry’s spokesperson urged intending pilgrims to verify the authenticity of their chosen Hajj operators through the official website before making any payments. It was also emphasized that all financial transactions must be carried out through authorized banking channels directly into the respective company’s account.
Pilgrims were further advised to obtain a copy of their Hajj agreement and a computerized payment receipt as official proof of booking. They are also encouraged to review their booking details and personal information via the Ministry’s website or the Pak Hajj 2026 mobile application.
Officials said the deadline extension aims to accommodate more applicants and enhance transparency in private Hajj operations, ensuring a smoother and more accountable process ahead of next year’s pilgrimage season.
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