The minister announced that the government Hajj scheme for 2027 will cost approximately Rs1.2 million for the 40- to 42-day package. The cost of the shorter 20- to 22-day Hajj package has been set at around Rs1.3 million, while the government has reserved 30,000 seats for the short-duration package.
According to Sardar Yousuf, the first instalment of Hajj expenses will be collected from August 17, while the second instalment will be deposited in the second week of October.
Applicants who are unable to perform Hajj in 2027 will be placed on a waiting list for the following year, the minister said.
Private Hajj pilgrims also included
Sardar Yousuf said pilgrims travelling under the private Hajj scheme would also be able to make their payments through the Pak Hajj app.
He clarified that Hajj-related financial transactions would not be permitted through any other payment method, as the government seeks to maintain a centralised and transparent digital system. Private-scheme pilgrims, however, will be free to select any approved online Hajj company for their pilgrimage arrangements.
Habib Bank selected as banking partner
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also entered into an agreement with Habib Bank Islami to collect Hajj payments from pilgrims.
Responding to a question about why only one bank had been selected, the minister said the ministry had invited all banks to participate in the process. He said all applications were evaluated against the required criteria, but Habib Bank was the only bank that fulfilled the ministry's requirements for digital payment services.
The government says the new system is aimed at making Hajj registration, payments and other administrative procedures easier while ensuring that transactions remain traceable, centralised and transparent.
