ISLAMABAD: Preparations for Hajj 2026 are underway, with the collection of expenses expected to start in the first week of August, as per a report citing official sources.
According to the details, the cost of the Hajj will be collected in two phases. The first payment, estimated between Rs500,000 and Rs550,000, will be due in August.
Only those who have completed their registration for Hajj 2026 will be eligible to make the payments.
Officials noted that the collection process will stop once the required number of applicants has deposited their dues, in line with the allocated quota.
Only banks authorized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be allowed to receive Hajj-related payments.
So far, over 450,000 people from Pakistan have registered for Hajj 2026, while the country’s total quota for government and private schemes is 179,210.
However, Pakistan has formally requested that this limit be increased to 230,000 due to population growth.
Previously, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that 18 Pakistani pilgrims lost their lives during the Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia. Among them were 10 men and eight women. Most of the deaths were linked to heart conditions and age-related health issues.
All deceased were buried in Jannatul Baqi. The 2025 death toll marked a decline from 2024, when 35 Pakistanis passed away during the pilgrimage.
This year, Hajj saw participation from over 1.6 million international pilgrims from 171 countries, along with 166,654 domestic pilgrims. Saudi authorities highlighted a balanced gender ratio, 877,841 men and 795,389 women.
Saudi officials implemented improved safety measures following last year’s severe heat-related casualties.
These included more shaded areas, cooling facilities, and medical teams. Crowd control was also strengthened by limiting unauthorized pilgrims, leading to a more secure and manageable environment at the holy sites.