Pakistan has collected more than $208 million in Hajj 2027 dues within five days, the country's religious affairs ministry said, as strong early demand and a new digital payment system drive preparations for next year's pilgrimage. The figure underlines how quickly interest has built for a journey that remains one of the most significant undertakings in many Pakistani families' lives.
The ministry said around 58 billion Pakistani rupees, equivalent to roughly $208.8 million, were collected under the government Hajj scheme in the opening five-day window. It described the effort as the first large-scale digital collection of Hajj dues in the country, with about 40 percent of payments made online.
A quota filling fast
Pakistan has allocated 107,526 slots under the government scheme for Hajj 2027, alongside 71,696 slots for the private scheme. Of the government total, 30,000 places are reserved for a shorter package. The ministry said it will stop accepting payments for each scheme once its quota is filled.
Demand has been brisk. According to the ministry, the government scheme received applications from around 92,000 pilgrims, leaving roughly 15,000 seats remaining at the time of the announcement. The pace suggests the government allocation could fill well before any final deadline, a point of urgency for those still deciding.
The ministry confirmed that registration, package selection and payment can all be completed through the Hajj Portal and the Pak Hajj mobile app, part of a shift toward an end-to-end paperless system. Payments for the private scheme also began, with digital collections recorded from the first day.
What pilgrims will pay
The government has set the cost of a 40-day Hajj package at around 1.2 million rupees, roughly $4,334, while the shorter 20-to-25-day package is priced at about 1.3 million rupees, or around $4,695. The shorter package costs more because it relies on a tighter, more expensive travel and accommodation schedule.
For many households, these sums represent years of saving. The move to digital payments is intended to make the process faster and more transparent, reducing the long queues and paperwork that have historically accompanied Hajj registration in Pakistan.
Practical guidance for Pakistani pilgrims
With the government quota filling quickly, prospective pilgrims who have registered should complete their payments promptly rather than waiting, since places close once each scheme's quota is reached. Using the official Hajj Portal or the Pak Hajj app is the safest route, and applicants should double-check their personal and passport details before submitting.
Pilgrims should also begin health preparations early, including required vaccinations and fitness checks, and keep passports valid for the full travel period. Anyone unsure about scheme details or deadlines should confirm directly with the religious affairs ministry or an officially approved operator, and avoid handing money to unofficial agents promising guaranteed slots.