ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Ministry of Religious Affairs has commenced the registration process for Pakistani citizens aspiring to perform Hajj in 2027. Prospective pilgrims, whether opting for the government or private Hajj schemes, can now submit their applications online. The registration is being managed on a first-come, first-served basis, making pre-registration a mandatory prerequisite for any Hajj application.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced the official launch on June 22 during a press conference following the ceremony at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. He detailed that applicants could complete the registration from their homes via the ministry’s official website, emphasizing that this initial registration is free of charge and obligatory for all intending pilgrims.

While a passport is not required at the registration stage, pilgrims must possess a passport valid until at least November 26, 2027, by the time of Hajj booking. Overseas Pakistanis are also required to register using their Pakistani passport.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf encouraged all intending pilgrims to finalize their registrations promptly and to disregard any unverified information circulating about Hajj arrangements. He highlighted the success of the Hajj 2026 arrangements, noting that the Ministry of Religious Affairs, alongside three private companies, received commendations from the Saudi government for outstanding services. He stated that the majority of pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the facilities and services provided.

The Minister extended his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki for their invaluable support and cooperation. He also mentioned that approximately 80 percent of Pakistani pilgrims had benefited from the Road to Makkah Project during the recent Hajj.

Addressing concerns about pilgrim feedback, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf reported that the complaint ratio for Hajj 2026 was less than one percent, a significant improvement from the 20 to 30 percent recorded in previous years, with complaints being resolved efficiently on-site. He assured that the ministry is evaluating Hajj expenses, and any potential savings would be passed on to pilgrims. The government remains committed to maintaining the affordability of the official Hajj scheme. He further indicated that improved regional stability, potentially influenced by developments like the US-Iran dialogue, and a decrease in petroleum prices could positively affect future Hajj costs.

On the matter of the Hajj quota, the Minister asserted that Pakistan’s allocated quota should ideally be around 230,000 pilgrims, reflecting its population size. He confirmed that this issue has been formally presented to the Saudi authorities, with the final determination resting with the Saudi Advisory Council. Pakistan’s role in mediating international relations and fostering peace, such as its involvement in the Islamabad Accord, underscores its growing diplomatic influence.