Pakistan Launches Online Payment System for Private Hajj Scheme Applications

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has commenced accepting online payments from intending pilgrims under the private Hajj scheme, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Sunday. The initiative aims to streamline the pilgrimage process, enhance transparency, and simplify payment procedures for both domestic and overseas Pakistani applicants.

The ministry introduced an improved, transparent, and expedited registration system this year through its dedicated online Hajj portal and the ‘Pak Hajj’ mobile application, enabling pilgrims to complete their registration and payment of dues digitally.

Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf recently stated that his ministry, in partnership with the National Information Technology Board (NITB), has initiated a comprehensive digital transformation of the entire Hajj system to offer enhanced convenience to all pilgrims.

In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry confirmed it has begun collecting dues under the private Hajj scheme, following the launch of online payments for the government scheme. It emphasized that bookings and payments for private Hajj packages will be accepted exclusively through the Pak Hajj app and Hajj Portal.

Authorities have advised all prospective pilgrims to avoid handing over cheques or cash to any private Hajj operator. Instead, they should register through official channels and choose their designated company and package via the Hajj portal.

According to the ministry, Pakistan has allocated 107,526 slots under the government scheme for Hajj 2027, with an additional 71,696 slots reserved for the private scheme. Of these, 30,000 spots are set aside for the short Hajj package. The ministry will discontinue payments for each scheme once its allocated quota is exhausted.

Official data released on Saturday revealed that over 88,700 intending pilgrims have already submitted their first installment under the government scheme. Earlier this month, the government announced pricing for Hajj packages, with a 40-day package priced at Rs1.2 million ($4,334) and a shorter 20- to 25-day package costing Rs1.3 million ($4,695).

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