ISLAMABAD: More than 232,000 Pakistani citizens have successfully completed online registration for Hajj 2027-2030, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed on Monday. The milestone was reached within just two weeks of the launch of the digital enrollment system, signaling strong demand for the annual pilgrimage.
According to the ministry, the online registration portal and the Pak Hajj App have processed 232,479 applications since the process began. Of these, approximately 175,000 applicants chose the Government Hajj Scheme, while around 58,000 opted for the Private Hajj Scheme. The breakdown by province shows that Punjab leads with over 108,000 registrations, followed by Sindh with 71,000 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 33,000. The registered applicants include 136,000 men and 96,000 women.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf earlier inaugurated the registration drive, emphasizing that the process is entirely free of charge and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. He noted that registration is mandatory for both government and private schemes, and no application for Hajj 2027 will be accepted without prior enrollment. A valid passport with minimum validity until November 26, 2027, is required, and overseas Pakistanis are also eligible to register.
The ministry has assured that the online registration will continue without interruption until further notice. The digital system allows applicants to register from their homes, avoiding the need to visit government offices. The move is part of broader efforts to streamline Hajj management, which has faced challenges in previous years due to quotas and logistical issues.
Pakistan holds one of the largest Hajj quotas globally, with Saudi Arabia allocating 179,210 seats for Pakistani pilgrims in 2024. The registration for 2027-2030 aims to ensure a transparent and efficient process, catering to the high demand among Pakistanis for the sacred journey.
Observers note that the surge in early registrations reflects the deep religious significance of Hajj and the trust in the government’s digital initiatives. The ministry plans to issue further guidelines for balloting and final selection once the registration window closes.
Source: ARY News