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ISLAMABAD Aug 17,2026: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has revised the schedule for receiving Hajj 2027 applications, with the process now set to begin on August 18 instead of August 17.
According to ministry sources, applications and payments will be accepted through Habib Bank branches on a first-come, first-served basis. The government will stop accepting applications once the allocated quota is filled.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2027 has been set at 179,210 pilgrims. Under the government Hajj scheme, 60 percent, or 107,526 seats, have been allocated, while the remaining 40 percent, or 71,684 seats, will be available under the private Hajj scheme.
Hajj expenses will be collected from pilgrims in two equal instalments. Applicants will have to pay half of the total Hajj expenses when submitting their applications.
Applications and payments will be accepted only through designated Habib Bank branches.
Saudi Arabia has also approved the inclusion of Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders of Pakistani origin in Pakistan’s Hajj 2027 quota. Under the new arrangement, 1 percent of Pakistan’s total Hajj quota, or 1,792 seats, will be reserved for eligible POC holders.
POC holders will be allowed to apply through both the government and private Hajj schemes. The facility is intended for foreign nationals of Pakistani origin who previously held Pakistani citizenship but later surrendered their nationality and passport.
Their participation will remain subject to Saudi visa requirements and the absence of any legal or administrative restrictions.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will publish detailed terms and conditions for POC holders on its official website. The application process will follow requirements set by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
