With just four days remaining before the booking window closes, around 16,000 seats are still available under Pakistan’s Private Hajj Scheme 2025, according to official sources. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the booking process will end on October 17, with the online registration portal closing the same night.
Officials have emphasized that no extension will be granted beyond the announced deadline. Therefore, citizens planning to perform Hajj through private operators are urged to finalize their arrangements before the closing date.
Private Hajj Scheme Bookings Progress
So far, bookings for 44,000 pilgrims have been confirmed out of the 60,000 total quota allocated for this year’s private Hajj operations. Despite the progress, thousands of seats still remain unclaimed.
The ministry revealed that private Hajj operators have completed bookings for 23,000 pilgrims during the past 25 days. In addition, 21,654 applicants who were unable to perform Hajj last year due to various reasons will also be accommodated in the upcoming pilgrimage season.
Officials have highlighted that this year’s quota for private operators has been reduced from 90,000 to 60,000 as part of a balanced distribution between the government and private schemes. Out of the total, 38,346 seats have been allocated to approved and registered operators authorized to manage pilgrim services.
Ministry Urges Timely Bookings and Awareness
The Minister for Religious Affairs has instructed all private Hajj operators to accelerate the booking process and ensure that all remaining seats are filled before the deadline.
Operators have also been directed to launch awareness campaigns across various platforms, encouraging intending pilgrims to confirm their registrations promptly. The ministry is reportedly monitoring the situation closely to ensure the process remains transparent and accessible.
Officials explained that the private Hajj scheme allows flexibility in travel arrangements, accommodation selection, and group preferences — making it a preferred choice for many pilgrims. However, delays in booking may result in losing the opportunity to perform Hajj under the private scheme this year.
Returning Pilgrims and Reduced Quota
According to ministry data, a considerable portion of this year’s pilgrims will consist of those who had deferred Hajj in 2024. These individuals will be accommodated under the same fee structure and quota, ensuring that their long-awaited pilgrimage is finally fulfilled.
Meanwhile, the reduction in quota for private Hajj operators is part of the government’s policy to balance demand between the public and private Hajj arrangements. Officials believe that maintaining this balance ensures a fair distribution of facilities and better management of pilgrim logistics in Saudi Arabia.
No Extension Beyond October 17
Authorities have categorically stated that October 17 is the final date for all bookings under the private Hajj scheme. After midnight, the ministry’s online portal will automatically close, and no new applications will be accepted.
Pilgrims and private operators are therefore advised to complete all necessary documentation, payments, and biometric procedures before the deadline.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs remains committed to providing seamless facilitation to all registered pilgrims, ensuring their journey to Hajj 2025 begins with proper coordination and peace of mind.
