Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has set November 20 as the deadline for prospective pilgrims to select and pay for Hajj packages under the private scheme for 2027.
The ministry warned that it can reallocate the private Hajj quota if operators fail to secure their allocated places by the deadline. The move is part of tighter oversight of private Hajj operators in Pakistan.
The deadline is the first major requirement under Pakistan’s new four-year Hajj policy. The federal cabinet approved the policy in July. It will cover the Hajj seasons from 2027 to 2030.
The new policy replaces the previous system. Under the earlier system, authorities issued a separate Hajj framework each year. The new approach aims to provide greater stability and improve planning for pilgrims and operators.
Saudi Arabia has allocated 179,210 Hajj places to Pakistan for the 2027 season. The government Hajj scheme will receive 107,526 places. Private Hajj operators have been allocated 71,684 places.
MoRA has advised private pilgrims to select packages and make payments only through the official Hajj portal or Pak Hajj app. The ministry warned pilgrims against making payments directly to individuals or companies.
The ministry said it would not accept responsibility for losses caused by payments made outside the official system. Pilgrims have therefore been advised to verify all booking details before making payments.
Authorities have finalized 16 basic private Hajj packages for the 2027 season. Their prices range from Rs. 1.4 million to Rs. 3.75 million. Most Hajj companies have already uploaded their packages to the digital portal.
Bookings under the private scheme have also increased. The available options include shorter stays and direct flights from locations outside Pakistan. Some packages also offer accommodation at five-star hotels.
The government has increased its monitoring of private Hajj operators since 2025. That year, missed Saudi payment and service agreement deadlines caused a major reduction in Pakistan’s private Hajj quota.
Pakistan’s private quota was reduced from 89,801 places to just over 25,000. As a result, more than 67,000 intending pilgrims were unable to travel for Hajj that year.
The latest measures are aimed at preventing a similar situation in future Hajj seasons. The ministry wants private operators to complete their required arrangements within the deadlines set by authorities.
Meanwhile, interest in the government Hajj scheme is also continuing. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, more than 13,000 pilgrims have deposited Rs. 8.7 billion under the government scheme for Hajj 2027.
The ministry is expected to continue monitoring bookings and payments as the November 20 deadline approaches. Pilgrims planning to use the private scheme are advised to complete their selections and payments through authorized digital channels.
Also read: Hajj 2027: Govt Opens Applications for Staff
