The federal government has decided to introduce a new payment system for Hajj 2027, under which all payments for the government scheme will be collected through a single bank instead of 14 participating banks.
According to sources, Habib Bank Limited has been selected to receive payments for both government and private Hajj schemes.
Pilgrims will be able to deposit their payments online without visiting a bank branch, while in-person payments will also be available exclusively through Habib Bank branches.
Sources said several banks had expressed interest in handling payments for the government Hajj scheme. However, one bank was selected after evaluating its network coverage and service standards.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is expected to sign a formal agreement with HBL soon, after which the bank will manage all financial transactions related to the government Hajj scheme.
Sources further said applications under the government Hajj scheme are expected to open in the middle of August, with the official application schedule to be announced shortly.
Pakistan has been allocated a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2027. Under the allocation, 60 percent of the quota has been reserved for the government scheme and 40 percent for the private scheme.
A total of 107,832 pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while 71,888 pilgrims will travel under the private scheme.
