Pakistan extends Hajj application deadline

Pakistan has announced a one-day extension for submitting applications under the government’s Hajj scheme, after receiving more than 110,000 applications in just 12 days.

The new deadline allows designated banks to continue accepting forms until Monday, August 18.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Pakistan’s Hajj quota for 2025 stands at 179,210 pilgrims, of which 129,210 seats have been allocated for the government scheme and the remainder for private tour operators.

A spokesperson confirmed that only around 7,000 seats remain under the government scheme.

“The receipt of Hajj applications has been extended by one day,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing that the extension is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis and will close immediately once the quota is filled.

The State Bank of Pakistan had earlier approved a request to keep 14 designated banks open on Saturday, originally the final day for submissions, but the ministry later decided to grant applicants an additional day.

Read more: Saudi Arabia arrests 30 govt employees over Hajj permit corruption

Applications for the government scheme opened on August 4. Pilgrims can apply for either a long package (38–42 days) or a short package (20–25 days), with costs ranging between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 ($4,050–$4,236).

Applicants are required to deposit Rs500,000 or Rs550,000 initially, with the remaining balance due in November.

While Saudi Arabia has maintained Pakistan’s quota at last year’s level, private tour operators have struggled to fully utilize their share, in contrast to the government scheme, which successfully filled its allocation of over 88,000 pilgrims in 2024.