There is encouraging news for those planning to perform the sacred Hajj pilgrimage, as around 16,000 seats remain vacant under Pakistan's Private Hajj Scheme, according to sources cited by ARY News.

Officials confirmed that only four days are left before the booking window closes. The Ministry of Religious Affairs' online portal for private Hajj bookings will shut down on October 17, and the ministry has directed all private Hajj operators to complete the registration process within the deadline.

So far, 44,000 pilgrims have secured bookings under the private scheme, leaving 16,000 spots still open. Private operators began accepting applications on September 19, as part of their new 60,000-pilgrim quota, which was reduced from the previous limit of 90,000.

The ministry also announced that 21,654 pilgrims who were unable to perform Hajj previously will be accommodated this year.

According to official figures, 37,903 new pilgrims can apply for Hajj 2026 under the private scheme, in addition to 22,097 individuals who were deferred last year and have been re-registered for priority processing. Private operators are required to submit affidavits confirming the inclusion of these deferred pilgrims before approving new applicants.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) has finalized the Government Hajj Scheme 2026 application phase. The ministry received 118,060 applications from across the country, marking the end of the submission period.

The process, which lasted 17 days, saw a strong public response despite being conducted on a first-come, first-served basis through both online and bank channels. Applicants were allowed to choose between short and long-duration Hajj packages.

For the government scheme, applicants have already deposited 50 percent of the total cost as the first installment. The remaining payment will be due from November 1, 2025.

Experts estimate the total cost under the government scheme to range between PKR 1.15 million and PKR 1.25 million, depending on the applicant's region and the length of stay in Saudi Arabia.

16,000 Seats Still Available Under Private Hajj Scheme