The federal government has extended the deadline for submitting the second instalment of Hajj dues by three days, giving intending pilgrims a final opportunity to complete their payments.
According to Muhammad Umar Butt, spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, all dues must now be submitted by November 19, 2025. Failure to pay by this date will result in the cancellation of the Hajj application.
The ministry had previously ensured that all nominated banks remained open on Saturday to facilitate payments for the 2026 Hajj scheme. Applicants are also advised to obtain a computerised receipt after depositing their dues to prevent any potential issues with their applications.
The government’s Hajj scheme guides Pakistani citizens through the pilgrimage process, offering traditional 38 to 42-day packages as well as shorter 20 to 25-day options, with costs estimated between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million.
The scheme operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and the first phase, which began in early August, received over 70,000 applications. The second phase started on August 11, with applicants instructed to retain their passports until at least November 26, 2025. Once dues are paid, successful applicants will be able to embark on their sacred journey.
Saudi Arabia has recently introduced stricter medical requirements for Hajj 2026, barring pilgrims with serious illnesses or conditions that prevent them from performing the rituals safely.
Individuals with kidney diseases, including dialysis patients, severe heart conditions, chronic lung or liver illnesses, neurological or psychiatric disorders, and significant age-related ailments such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease will be prohibited from travelling.
Pregnant women, cancer patients, and those suffering from contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, whooping cough, or viral haemorrhagic fevers are also barred.
Medical officers will have the authority to stop unfit individuals from travelling, and Saudi monitoring teams will verify fitness certificates to ensure only healthy pilgrims proceed. These measures aim to safeguard the wellbeing of all pilgrims while ensuring a smooth and safe Hajj experience.
