Business Desk 
Sep 28, 2025
In an attempt to facilitate Hajj 2026 pilgrims who are unable to perform the sacred act due to unavoidable circumstances, the government of Pakistan has introduced a relief measure for registered pilgrims, allowing relatives of severely ill or deceased pilgrims to perform Hajj in their place.
The Hajj relief policy for registered pilgrims was introduced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
As part of the relief measure, if a registered pilgrim cannot attend Hajj because of some compelling reasons, they can nominate someone else to go or opt for a refund. The point to note is that a valid reason must be provided for either choice, along with documentary proof of the pilgrim’s illness or death, Geo News reported.
To apply for a refund or to choose someone else, the ministry requires the reason to be documented on stamped paper. Pilgrims will need to submit a bank receipt and a copy of their identity card.
It was learned that over 400,000 people from Pakistan registered for next year's Hajj. Out of these, 71,000 submitted applications along with the first instalment of Rs500,000 for long-duration packages (38 to 42 days) and Rs550,000 for short-duration packages (20 to 25 days) at designated banks or through the ministry’s portal.
Earlier this month, over 21,000 pilgrims were reported to have successfully registered.
Besides, private Hajj operators are required to prioritise those who were unable to perform Hajj last year despite completing the registration process.
