The government s Hajj Scheme 2026 has seen a huge response, with 118,060 applications made by the pilgrims from all over Pakistan. The authorities have now shut down the registration only 17 days after the process commenced, with the quota full for the first time in record time.

As per the Ministry of Religious Affairs, applications were submitted on a first-come, first-served basis, both online and through specified banks. Officials pointed out that the exceptionally large number of applicants resulted in the scheme closing much sooner than before.

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Pilgrims have submitted applications for long as well as short-term Hajj packages. The ministry has confirmed that the applicants have made the 50% of the total amount as advance installment, while the remaining will be paid later.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs will now scrutinize the applications and send further directions to the successful pilgrims. With registrations closing earlier than scheduled, preparations for Hajj 2026 are likely to be initiated earlier compared to previous years.

The government also raised the official Hajj quota this year to 70%, making a higher number of pilgrims eligible to perform Hajj on an official scheme.