Islamabad: The Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, has officially commenced the registration process for Hajj 2027. The initiative, aimed at ensuring transparency and efficiency, marks a significant shift with the digitization of the Hajj system, supported by the National Information Technology Board. Registration will be free and mandatory for all applicants under both government and private schemes, operating on a “first come, first served” basis.

According to Radio Pakistan, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf emphasized the requirement for applicants to possess a valid passport extending at least until November 26, 2027, although initial registration can proceed without one. The process allows for family registrations and includes provisions for overseas Pakistanis to register from abroad. An online portal and mobile app, “Pak Hajj,” have been introduced to facilitate registration from home. The Minister also noted ongoing discussions with Saudi authorities to potentially increase Pakistan’s Hajj quota. Reflecting on the previous year’s pilgrimage, he described it as the most successful in the nation’s history, attributing this success to the collaborative efforts of the Pakistani and Saudi governments.