Private Hajj bookings in Pakistan have increased as the Ministry of Religious Affairs strengthens monitoring of the registration and payment process. More than 21,000 applications have so far been submitted through the official Pak Hajj App.
According to ministry officials, a total of 21,547 applications have been received through the official platform. Around 50,000 seats are still available under the private Hajj scheme for pilgrims planning to perform Hajj.
The ministry has advised pilgrims to make all Hajj payments through official channels. Applicants have been warned against transferring money directly to individuals or unauthorised Hajj companies. Officials have stressed that payments should only be made after verifying the status of the selected Hajj operator.
Around Rs. 18 billion has already been transferred to the accounts of approved Hajj companies through the Hajj Portal. The ministry is monitoring the payment process as part of efforts to maintain transparency and prevent irregularities during registration.
Officials said around 45 percent of the total amount collected so far was paid through digital payment methods. The remaining 55 percent was deposited through manual bank challans.
The government has set November 20 as the final date for registration under the Private Hajj Scheme. Pilgrims who intend to travel under the scheme are required to complete their applications and payments before the deadline.
Applicants currently have more than 2,000 Hajj packages to choose from through 25 authorised Hajj companies. The packages offer different options based on pilgrims’ requirements, preferences and available services.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has encouraged pilgrims to use the Pak Hajj App and Hajj Portal for registration, payments and other official procedures. These platforms also provide information about available packages and authorised service providers.
Pilgrims facing problems during the registration or payment process can use the inquiry option available on the Hajj Portal to report complaints. Officials have urged applicants to report any issues through the official system rather than relying on unauthorised individuals.
The Private Hajj Scheme allows Pakistani pilgrims to select approved Hajj operators while remaining within the government’s regulatory framework. The ministry is continuing to monitor the registration and payment process to ensure that only authorised companies handle bookings.
With thousands of seats still available, the private Hajj registration process remains open. Pilgrims planning to perform Hajj have been advised to verify their selected company and complete all payments through approved channels before the November 20 deadline.
