More than 340,000 Pakistani citizens have registered online to perform Hajj between 2027 and 2030, state media reported, as Islamabad rolls out a new multi-year framework for the pilgrimage. According to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan, the figure reflects registrations received since the process opened in June.

The registrations form part of Pakistan's first four-year Hajj Policy and Plan for 2027 to 2030, approved by the federal cabinet. Under the new system, Pakistanis who wish to perform Hajj need to register only once for a pilgrimage in any year up to 2030, ending the previous requirement to sign up afresh every year.

A shift to long-term planning

The government said the multi-year framework would remove the need for pilgrims to re-register annually and would help authorities plan further ahead. The policy introduces continuous registration through 2030, greater digitisation of Hajj services, mandatory training for pilgrims and long-term operational planning.

Officials described the change as a way to help Islamabad negotiate future quotas, improve planning and streamline services. By building a standing pool of registered applicants, the ministry aims to smooth the annual scramble that has long characterised the pilgrimage.

Who is registering

Quoting the spokesperson of the religious affairs ministry, the Associated Press of Pakistan said 246,000 applicants have opted for the government's Hajj scheme, while 94,000 have chosen the private scheme. The split points to strong demand for the state-run option, which is typically more affordable.

The provincial breakdown showed the largest numbers from Pakistan's most populous regions. According to the report, 156,000 applicants registered from Punjab and 100,000 from Sindh. Around 51,000 registered from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 15,000 from Islamabad, 12,000 from Balochistan, 2,600 from Azad Kashmir and 1,200 from Gilgit-Baltistan.

The ministry said an announcement on the online collection of Hajj dues is expected soon, though it did not give a specific timeline. Registered applicants were advised to use the Pak Hajj app or Hajj helplines for guidance and to ensure their information is accurate, and to form groups consisting only of family members.

Context and quotas

Hajj 2026 concluded in Saudi Arabia in May, with millions of Muslims taking part. Pakistan was allocated a quota of 179,210 pilgrims under both the government and private schemes for that season.

The move to a four-year cycle comes as Saudi Arabia opens early preparations for 2027 with Hajj affairs offices from more than 75 countries. Several nations have introduced longer planning horizons and earlier registration in response to consistently high demand for a limited number of places.

Practical tips for intending pilgrims

  • Register once, for your chosen year. Under the new policy a single registration covers any Hajj year up to 2030, so record which year you have selected.
  • Use official tools. Rely on the Pak Hajj app or the ministry's Hajj helplines for guidance rather than unofficial agents.
  • Check your details. Ensure names and documents exactly match your identity records to avoid problems at later stages.
  • Group with family only. The ministry has advised that groups be formed of family members, so plan your application accordingly.
  • Watch for the dues announcement. Payment details are expected soon, so keep funds ready and monitor official channels for the deadline.

As with any pilgrimage arrangement, applicants should keep copies of every confirmation and treat unofficial offers of guaranteed places with caution.