Pakistan has opened mandatory registration for Hajj 2027 and confirmed that it is in talks with Saudi Arabia to increase its pilgrim quota, currently set at 179,210 places. Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced the developments at a registration launch ceremony in Islamabad on June 22, 2026.
The minister said discussions with Riyadh aim to lift the allocation to roughly 230,000 pilgrims. He linked the request to the size of the country's Muslim population, which he said has now passed 230 million. Pakistan already holds one of the largest national quotas in the world, with pilgrims travelling under both government and private schemes.
Registration Is Mandatory and Free
Yousaf stressed that every aspiring pilgrim must complete registration before choosing a Hajj scheme. "Registration for Hajj 2027 has started today," he said. "Hajj 2027 registration is free of charge; no fee will be collected."
Applicants can register at any designated bank or online. Overseas Pakistanis are able to register from any country, and members of the same family may register jointly. The minister noted that details on package costs, terms and conditions will be published later under the forthcoming Hajj policy.
A key eligibility condition is passport validity. Yousaf said intending pilgrims must hold a passport valid until at least November 26, 2027. Those without a valid travel document have been urged to apply for one without delay.
Strong Early Response
Public interest has been high. According to Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs, more than 51,000 people registered within the first two days, and the figure passed 80,000 within three days. Of the early applicants, the large majority opted for the government scheme, with a smaller share selecting the private scheme.
The registration drive forms part of a wider, earlier start to Hajj planning. Saudi Arabia has brought forward preparations for the 1448 AH (2027) season, introducing unified service packages, stricter operator standards and earlier accommodation booking windows. Pakistani authorities have aligned their own timeline with these changes so that bookings can be finalised in good time. Officials in Islamabad have indicated that, with arrangements starting sooner, bookings for the 2027 pilgrimage could be completed within roughly two months.
The ministry has also encouraged applicants to use the official Pak Hajj mobile application alongside the online portal, with thousands of early registrants already signing up through the app. Authorities have urged people not to rely on rumours or unofficial agents and to follow announcements issued directly by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Why the Quota Talks Matter
National Hajj quotas are set by Saudi Arabia, broadly in proportion to each country's Muslim population. With demand in Pakistan consistently outstripping supply, even a modest increase in the allocation would shorten waiting times for thousands of families hoping to perform the pilgrimage. A rise to 230,000 would represent an increase of around 50,000 places over the current figure.
No final agreement has been confirmed, and the existing allocation of 179,210 remains in effect until any change is formally announced. Pilgrims should therefore plan on the basis of current numbers while the negotiations continue.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Pilgrims
Register early through a designated bank or the official online portal, and keep your registration confirmation safe. Check that your passport is valid until at least November 26, 2027, and renew it now if it expires before then. Families intending to travel together should register jointly to keep their applications linked. Use only the official online portal or the Pak Hajj mobile application, and complete the process before choosing between the government and private schemes. Finally, watch for the official Hajj policy announcement, which will set out package costs and scheme details, and avoid paying any agent before official terms are published.