Pakistani pilgrims planning to perform Hajj next year will need a valid passport with an expiry date of at least November 16, 2027, according to sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Sources said a valid passport will be mandatory when applications for the government and private Hajj schemes begin on August 17. Applicants without the required passport validity may face difficulties submitting their applications.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has advised intending pilgrims to check their passport expiry dates before applying. Those whose passports expire before November 16, 2027, have been advised to renew them immediately.

Officials are reportedly arranging passport renewals for Hajj pilgrims on a priority basis to help applicants complete the process without unnecessary delays.

The passport requirement is particularly important for people whose travel documents are close to expiry. Pilgrims are encouraged not to wait until the application process is underway before starting renewal procedures.

The government and private Hajj schemes are expected to begin receiving applications from August 17, making passport preparation an important step for prospective pilgrims.

Applicants will also need to meet other requirements and complete the relevant documentation for their selected Hajj scheme. Further details regarding fees, schedules and other arrangements are expected from the authorities.

The new requirement means prospective pilgrims should check their documents early and ensure their passports meet the validity deadline.

Authorities have urged intending pilgrims to complete passport renewal as soon as possible to avoid problems during Hajj application processing.